Austrian scientists have developed the first artificial leg that stimulates “feeling” for the patient.
According to AFP, The prosthetic limb has sensors that connects to rewired nerve endings in the patient’s stump, so that the patient can feel the leg being moved as if it were a real one.
Austrian amputee Wolfgang Rangger was the first to test the device. “It feels like I have a foot again. It’s like a second lease of life,” he said. The former teacher lost his leg in 2007, after a blood clot caused by a stroke. Now, he goes running, cycling and climbing, with a barely noticeable limp. In addition, the “feeling” leg has cured him of phantom limb pain, which is caused by the brain seeking signals from the missing leg.
Professor Hubert Egger at the University of Linz developed the prosthesis. Previously, Egger created an artificial arm that could be controlled by the patient’s mind, using motor neurons that used to connect to the missing limb. The artificial leg with feeling uses the nerves in reverse: connecting the prosthesis to the brain.
First, surgeons rewired the nerve endings remaining in the patient’s stump to tissue closer to the surface of the thigh. Six sensors were added to the sole of the artificial foot, which allows it to sense motion and texture. The sensors are linked linked to stimulators inside the shaft, until it reaches the base of the stump, and conveys the sensations to the patient’s brain.
Read more: Artificial Limbs Rewired to Nerve Endings Restore Patient Sensations
The Latest on: Artificial Limbs
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Artificial Limbs” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Artificial Limbs
- ‘Bionic Chef’ Eduardo Garcia drops by Kitchen Clinic during LAUSD school visiton April 26, 2024 at 10:11 am
After nearly three decades of cooking, including traveling the world as a private chef to some of the world’s most rich and powerful, celebrity Chef Eduardo Garcia – better known to some as the ...
- Scientists Make Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Treatmenton April 26, 2024 at 7:50 am
Scientists have developed tiny robotic nerve "cuffs" to diagnose and treat neurological disorders. The flexible devices offer a safer, minimally invasive alternative to today's diagnostics and could ...
- Robotic nerve 'cuffs' could help treat a range of neurological conditionson April 26, 2024 at 2:00 am
Researchers have developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them.
- How a Virtual Assistant Taught Me to Appreciate Busyworkon April 24, 2024 at 2:02 am
A new category of apps promises to relieve parents of drudgery, with an assist from A.I. But a family’s grunt work is more human, and valuable, than it seems.
- Amputee Support Group celebrates Limb Loss Awareness Monthon April 22, 2024 at 2:12 am
April is Limb Loss Awareness Month in many parts of the US, and it is a time to recognize those living with limb loss.An amputee support group based in South Be ...
- Trekking 80km to raise money for artificial limbson April 20, 2024 at 11:31 pm
We come to you. We are always looking for ways to improve our stories. Let us know what you liked and what we can improve on.
- CyberMedic Simulatoron April 18, 2024 at 11:06 am
Search for the wounded cybernetic humans during space battles. Transplant artificial limbs and replace damaged organs using bionic implants. Do everything in your power to save humanoids life.
- 3D Printing Revolutionizes Prosthetic Care for Amputees at Thai-Myanmar Borderon April 18, 2024 at 9:32 am
The Burma Children's Medical Fund at the Myanmar border has leveraging 3D printing to create prosthetics for those facing limb loss.
- Lost limbs no barrier to enjoying sport as ‘try out’ day in Belfast highlightson April 18, 2024 at 7:50 am
Amputees gathered for a day of sports as part of a process to highlight the benefits of participation for those with prosthetics, in wheelchairs or otherwise with lost limbs. The ‘try out’ day, ...
- Brain's Cerebellum Could Help Direct Prosthetic Limbson April 16, 2024 at 12:35 am
TUESDAY, April 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Tapping the power of the small brain region called the cerebellum could improve patients’ ability to move cutting-edge robotic limbs, a new study ...
via Bing News