AI in Medicine: A case worthy of a miracle.

Prompt: autonomous artificially intelligent medical care

AI and the Recovery of Mobility: The Case of Gert-Jan Oskam

The artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous fields, including medicine. One of the most notable cases has recently been presented in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, where a team of Swiss and French scientists has achieved a breakthrough in neuronal surgery: a paraplegic man has been able to walk again thanks to an AI-trained human-machine interface.

This man is Gert-Jan Oskam, a 40-year-old Dutchman who lost the use of his legs 12 years ago in a bicycle accident. Now, thanks to new technology that links your brain to your spinal cord through a device called brain-spinal cord interface, He has regained the ability to voluntarily move his legs and feet.

Brain-Spinal Cord Interface: AI Innovation in Neurology

The device, developed by a team of researchers led by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, uses two disc implants that are inserted into the skull, with two networks of 64 electrodes that rest against the membrane covering the brain. When Oskam thinks about walking, Skull implants detect electrical activity in the cortex, the outer layer of the brain. This signal is transmitted wirelessly and decoded by a computer that Oskam carries in a backpack, which is then transmits the information to an impulse generator in the spinal cord.

The fundamental difference with previous technologies is that, in this case, the patient has full control over the stimulation parameters. Previously, the device generated pre-programmed robotic movements, but now, as Oskam says, “the stimulation used to control me and now I control the stimulation with my thoughts. When I decide to take a step, the simulation activates as soon as I think about it.

AI in medicine: Other approaches

Continuing with the advances of artificial intelligence in biomedical engineering, there are numerous areas in which this revolutionary technology can be applied, beyond the brain-spinal cord interface. AI is demonstrating its ability to transform not only spinal cord injury treatments, but also other spheres of human health and well-being.

An emerging application of AI in biomedical engineering is the creation of smart prostheses. These devices use machine learning algorithms to adapt to the user's movements and improve comfort and functionality. Smart prostheses can, for example, automatically adjust joint stiffness and cushioning to adapt to different terrain and walking speeds. These algorithms learn from the user's movement patterns, allowing for more personalized and effective fit.

Prompt: robotics doctor and hospital

Precision Medicine: AI Identifying Genetic Variants

Additionally, in the field of precision medicine, AI is revolutionizing the way we understand and treat diseases. With the analysis of large genomic data sets, AI can help identify genetic variants that contribute to specific diseases. This can lead to more personalized and effective therapies for patients. Machine learning algorithms are also being used to predict disease progression, which can inform treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients.

Another important application of AI in biomedical engineering is in the field of medical imaging. Deep learning algorithms can be trained to identify features in medical images, such as tumors in MRIs or anomalies on x-rays. These algorithms can help doctors quickly identify health problems and make more informed treatment decisions. 

AI is also being used to improve drug delivery. AI systems can be trained to predict how a patient will react to certain medications based on their genome, which can lead to more personalized medicine and more effective treatments. 

Ethics and Privacy: Challenges in the Use of AI in Health

In short, artificial intelligence is transforming biomedical engineering in numerous ways. From improving the functionality of prosthetics to personalizing medical treatments, AI is proving to be a powerful tool in the healthcare field. However, with these innovations come important ethical and privacy considerations that must be addressed. But one thing is clear: AI has the potential to radically change the way we care for our health and well-being.

Written by

Josep More Gili

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