The Freehand System by NeuroControl Corporation
The Freehand System is a neuroprosthetic device that enables people with spinal cord injury at the C5 or C6 level to grasp, hold, and release objects of various sizes and weights. It includes surgically implanted components and external components. Externally, a shoulder position sensor, mounted on the chest and shoulder, translates small shoulder movements into a control signal. The external control- ler, usually located on the wheelchair, receives the control signal and processes the information into radio waves to power and control the implant through the transmitting coil. The transmitting coil is worn over the implanted stimulator. Internally, a pacemaker-sized implant stimulator in the chest sends electrical stimuli through wires to eight electrodes attached to paralyzed hand and forearm muscles. This stimulation causes the muscles to contract, providing the person with a functional grip.
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