The recently FDA authorized IpsiHand System was designed as a brain-computer interface (BCI) to help stroke patients gain more control over their, hands and arms. The device is part of the therapy and rehabilitation to restore the use of the end of the upper extremities. It is estimated that close to 800,000 Americans suffer strokes every year. The device offers another means of helping individuals recover after a life altering event, especially as many patients don’t have the option for home-based rehabilitation technologies. The system has electrodes that don’t need to be implanted to record the patient’s brain activity and transmits the data to a tablet to understand the muscle movements and their associated signals before sending the message to a hand brace. One of the goals is to help improve a patient’s ability to grasp. Currently it is prescription only, but following clinical trials, the status of the system changed from Breakthrough Device to being authorized for the market. It is not to be used by patients who suffer from several more severe issues, such as rigid contractures in the upper extremities or people who have had either a craniectomy or craniotomy.
If you would like to learn more about the IpsiHand System and how it may be able to help stroke patients start recovering, you can read the full article at IpsiHand System: New Device for Facilitating Stroke Rehabilitation Gains FDA Approval.