August 1, 2023: Surgery using AI? Who is Keith Thomas and why did he need this surgery? This extraordinary success story showcases the immense potential of AI in transforming and improving lives.
In 2020, a man named Keith Thomas, aged 45, experienced a devastating accident while diving into a friend's pool in Montauk(a town in New York), resulting in a broken neck and damage to his spine.
The incident left him paralyzed and in need of a solution to regain mobility and sensation.
During the same period, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology was making significant advancements, captivating the world with its potential. While some welcomed AI as a great development and supported its incorporation into a variety of industries, others were afraid of its effects and worried that it would threaten their jobs.
However, for one man from Long Island, US, AI turned out to be a life-changing blessing. Through a groundbreaking surgery, his brain was connected to a computer using micro implants. This innovative procedure enabled him to regain motion and feeling in his body, offering hope and possibilities for others facing similar challenges. This extraordinary success story showcases the immense potential of AI in transforming and improving lives.
Picture: Northwell Health
AI in Surgery? What does that mean?
Artificial Intelligence has shown remarkable effectiveness in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. In these procedures, a video screen can display valuable information and guidance from AI, assisting surgeons throughout the operation. As surgeries unfold, AI will analyze the process in real-time and may even offer decision support to surgeons during the procedure, leading to more precise and efficient surgical outcomes. This integration of AI technology holds great promise for the future of surgical advancements and improved patient care.
Laparoscopic surgery- Laparoscopy is a minimal surgical procedure that enables access to the abdomen and pelvis without the need for large incisions. It's also called keyhole surgery due to its small incisions.
Back to the article:
Keith Thomas, has become a pioneer in the field of AI-infused surgeries, as reported by the New York Post. Medical experts at Manhasset's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research view his case as groundbreaking for treating various diseases, such as blindness, deafness, ALS, seizures, and Parkinson's.
ALS- it’s a rare neurological disease that affects those nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.
Parkinson’s- a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Chad Bouton, a professor at Feinstein's Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, expressed the significance of Thomas's case. For the first time, a paralyzed individual is regaining movement and sensation through the electronic connection of their brain, body, and spinal cord. This breakthrough has the potential to help millions of people worldwide, and it opens up possibilities for an even broader range of conditions.
The miraculous journey
Thomas's journey began when he suffered a devastating accident in 2020, breaking his neck and damaging parts of his spine while diving into a pool in Montauk. Initially told he would never move below his neck again, Thomas refused to lose hope. His determination and love for life made him an ideal candidate for the surgery, according to Dr. Ashesh Mehta, the director of the Institute's Laboratory of Human Brain Mapping, as shared with The Post.
According to Dr Ashesh Mehta, Thomas was considered an excellent candidate for the surgery. “There was something special about Keith. We knew that he had the strength, the right attitude, the perseverance to do what’s required,” Dr Mehta told The Post. These qualities led medical experts to believe he was well-suited for the groundbreaking surgery.
During the remarkable 15-hour surgery, Thomas remained awake at times to communicate with the doctors, as reported by the New York Post. The procedure required absolute precision, leaving no room for error. However, Thomas's determination and the surgical team's expertise paid off.
After the surgery and a one-week recovery period, Thomas experienced a heartwarming moment of holding his sister's hand. This milestone marked significant progress since his accident. Thomas expressed his emotions, acknowledging the long journey to reach this point. He can now move his right arm to his face, and his next goal is to be able to brush his own teeth. The breakthrough results moved him to tears of joy and gratitude.
Picture: Northwell Health