Technology anyone

[Chris Chappell]

Dr. Young or anyone out there.

Our secret heart transplant patient (59 yr. old male)in a detroit hospital has a completely artificial unit working for him. So far he's getting stronger, no signs of rejection. Exceeding everyone's expectations. To me this combination of medical application and technological wizardry are a fantastic combination and is an excellent example of how far we've come scientifically since Barney Clark and the Jarvik 7.

My question although simple in idea and concept but extremely difficult, and understood, in execution is; why can't, or doesn't the SCI research community explore extended usage of let's say microprocessors or advanced electronic technology to assist in ambulatory recovery? Microprocessors can execute billions of commands per second and are now the size of a pinhead. Maybe one inserted on either side of the injury? Nerve growth and regeneration aside wouldn't this, or another creative approach, be viable?

I know that ASU is doing their advanced FES walking program with all sorts of wires and electrodes and harnesses on the patient's exterior but what about wiring us up internally, below the skin's surface? (medical science is obviously getting better at controlling bodily rejection)

Crazy? Too far fetched? Has this been explored in depth?

I just can't help but think that a combination of medical science and technology couldn't help us.

Thanks, Chris

[Mike C]

Perhaps if we just let the Borg assimilate us we could get all the implants we need and be on our feet again in no time. Heck, the Queenie Borg was nothing but a head attached to a wiggly vertabrae, but now she´s up and walking around with no problem. And from what Data says it appears her sex drive is back in full swing. Did I forget to mention the top management job she´s landed since her successful implant therapy?

I´ve got to ask Seven of Nine where she picked up those designer implants. She looks so good after the makeover...don´t you think?

[This message was edited by Mike C on August 03, 2001 at 07:36 PM. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif

[This message was edited by Mike C on August 03, 2001 at 07:39 PM.]

[Wise Young]

It is really amazing how long it takes to introduce modern computer technology into devices for the disabled. For example, it was not until just a five years ago that modern microprocessor technology was used in wheelchairs... The ibot is the first machine to really use sophisticated computer programming to control a device so that it can do more than move around on a flat surface. Why don't we have computers with built-in voice commands, computer controlled bathroom devices that do bowel and bladder routines, even beds that can lift people into a wheechair? Why don't we have implantable cell phones that can be completely controlled by voice command and that can communicate with various household devices? Why don't we have a device that can tell when the bladder is full, a seat cushion that senses the pressure on the butt and reminds people to relieve the weight, power wheelchair controls that can be controlled by eye or head movement, etc. instead of sip and puff. There is no reason why we cannot have 128 channel stimulators in a device the size of a beeper that is connected wirelessly to miniature electrodes implanted into the bladder, spinal cord, muscles, or nerves...

In my opinion, we don't have good technology in these areas because we don't have a good business model for such devices. Most companies believe that the market is too small to invest in and don't have a good feeling for what the community needs.

Wise..

[Mike C]

It´s been over 2 years...have any advances been developed as of yet?

One of the best ideas I have seen must be credited to the creative minds behind the Powerloader featured in the 1986 Sci-Fi horror Aliens. The Powerloader was an exoskeletal heavy lifting device. Here is the link: http://www.geocities.com/tortie42/HOCS/Aliens/PL.html

"So I have stayed as I am, without regret, seperated from the normal human condition." Guy Sajer