Paralyzed man from Long Island regains movement and sensation after AI-surgery, pioneers new way for medical treatment

A Long Island man paralyzed in a diving accident has become a medical “miracle” thanks to a groundbreaking surgery infused with artificial intelligence (AI). Keith Thomas, 45, regained motion and feeling in his body after undergoing a surgery that connected a computer to his brain through microelectrode implants. Experts at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, NY, are calling it a pioneering case that could pave the way for treating various illnesses using AI technology.

Long Island man Keith Thomas paralyzed in a diving accident has become a medical “miracle” thanks to a groundbreaking surgery infused with artificial intelligence (AI).(Northwest Health)

Three years ago, Thomas broke his neck and parts of his spine while diving into a pool, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite being initially told he might never move again below the neck, Thomas refused to give up hope. His unyielding spirit and a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $360,000 helped him face the challenges of his new life.

A Revolutionary Surgery

Thomas’s positivity and determination made him an ideal candidate for the cutting-edge surgery, according to Dr. Ashesh Mehta, the director of the Institute’s Laboratory of Human Brain Mapping. The high-pressure 15-hour surgery required Thomas to be awake at times to communicate with the surgeons. Through it all, Thomas’s humor remained intact, cracking jokes during the operation.

The surgery’s success was unprecedented, allowing Thomas to regain motion and hold his sister’s hand for the first time since the accident. The AI-powered implants connected to his brain offered him new possibilities and a glimpse of independence. Thomas’s journey is a testament to the remarkable advancements in AI and medical science.

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AI and the Future of Medical Science

The AI-powered brain implant in Thomas’s case opens new doors for medical science. Plasticity, a key concept in the brain’s ability to adapt and reshape itself, can have a profound impact on conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and movement disorders. With AI and advanced neurotechnology, scientists hope to enable people with disabilities to regain their lost abilities and improve their quality of life.