Scientists implanted an artificial hand that allows you to feel the objects
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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A resident of Denmark, Denis Aabo, who lost his hand a few years ago as a result of a fire, thanks to the scientific developments and efforts of Italian surgeons, became the first owner of an artificial bioprosthesis thanks to which one can feel objects. The signal to the brain comes from special sensory sensors connected to nerves.
Such a unique prosthesis was developed by surgeons from Italy, who managed to connect special sensors with multiple nerve endings in the shoulder, due to which the brain begins to receive appropriate signals. As Denis Aabo notes, that with his "new hand" he can determine objects in form or rigidity, without even looking at them, and also feel warm and cold.
Neurosurgeons performed a tremendous job - they connected thousands of sensors to the nerve endings of Denis's shoulder. Denis uses a bioprosthesis as if it were his real hand and as he noted that after 9 years of the absence of his real hand - the sensations with the prosthesis were simply terrific.
As the developers of the unique device suggest, in the market of bioruk can appear in five years. The device still requires improvement, it is necessary to correct the accuracy of movements and manipulation abilities and only then it will be possible to talk about the mass conduct of such operations.
Scientists have always paid special attention to the development of limb prostheses. It was connected, first of all, with numerous injuries of soldiers. The most high-tech prosthesis was developed in one of the universities of the United States. This development was funded by the Ministry of Defense. Bionic prosthesis hands have almost the same dexterity as real hands, with each finger of the prosthesis can move independently of the others. The prosthesis is implanted in the remainder of the arm and reacts to muscle contractions, with a weak signal being sent to the sensors, so that the prosthesis responds, for example, by clenching the fist. The development of this prosthesis continues, and the researchers were able to achieve the fact that with the help of thought, a man could pat this real hand. However, it is impossible to feel an object with such a prosthesis.
At present, leg prostheses are already being used which, due to lightweight materials and improved technologies, closely simulate the movements of real feet. Now the most high-tech is the Genium prosthesis, which went into production in Britain in 2011. In the prosthesis there are seven sensors, including a speedometer and a gyroscope, which allows you to determine the position in a three-dimensional measurement. A special computer is built in the prosthesis, which controls the hydraulics and controls the movement of the prosthesis. Thanks to all these developments, the prosthesis responds to movements in different ways, for example, when moving backwards or along stairs, and also on walking speed. The cost of such a prosthesis is about 80 thousand dollars, which also includes the guarantee and maintenance of the prosthesis for a certain time.
Scientists have always wanted to recreate such a complex mechanism as the human body. Modern materials and electronics allow replacing not only damaged or missing limbs, but whole organs.
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