This is the medical and technology breakthrough that has made international headlines – Australia’s first bionic arm that allows amputees to control it just by thinking of the action.
This revolutionary procedure was conducted at the Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital with Epworth Healthcare and ProMotion Prosthetics. Arm amputee, Mr Newey was one of the few patients to undergo the first stage of the procedure – an osseointegration surgery, where a titanium implant fuses to the remaining bone of the amputated limb, securely attaching the prosthesis to the patient.
The second stage is to undergo targeted muscle re-innervation and further rewiring of the nerves that once controlled movement of the natural arm. The success of this stage would the brain to send movement signals to the prosthesis, allowing movement through the patient’s thoughts.
Mr Newey who lost his arm in a work conveyor belt in 1999 mentions that this new bionic technology has made him feel more human than ever. Additionally, highlighted that he can finally embrace his wife and complete other everyday actions with ease.
“Holding hands walking down the street, which was a huge one because she always stood on my right hand side and now she can again.” said Mr Newey referring to his wife.
This ground breaking procedure is an amazing step that would definitely change countless of lives in the future.