Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Announces First Truly Bionic Arm; Research Completed By RIC Doctor Leads to First Ever Thought-Driven Full-Arm Prosthesis.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2003

New Nerve-Muscle Graft Technique May Lead to

Improved Lives for Thousands

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), the leading physical rehabilitation hospital in the country, today announced that it has successfully completed the rehabilitation for Mr. Jesse Sullivan, the world's first recipient of a new nerve-muscle graft procedure to control a myoelectric prosthesis. The new nerve induction technique, researched and developed by Dr. Todd Kuiken, M.D., Ph.D., director of amputee services, allows a full arm prosthesis to be driven by the user's own thought-generated nerve impulses. These impulses are sensed, via electrodes, from the pectoral muscle (where the existing nerve endings of the patient's shoulder are transplanted) and carried through to the mechanical arm.

Mr. Jesse Sullivan of Dayton, Tennessee was a power linesman for the Dayton Power Company and on May 21, 2001 he touched a live wire and was severely shocked, causing extensive, irreparable tissue damage. His electrical burns were so severe that they required both of his arms to be amputated at the shoulder. Mr. Sullivan went to RIC looking for a miracle.

Dr. Kuiken performed a new surgical procedure on Mr. Sullivan by which the viable nerves from his left shoulder were transplanted into his left pectoral (chest) muscle. Once there, the nerves grew and spread into the muscle. Six months later, Dr. Kuiken was able to detect myoelectric signals from the transplanted nerves in Mr. Sullivan's chest muscle. RIC's prosthetics department then designed and built a 'cuff' with sensory electrodes that picked up the signals from the nerves and translated those signals to drive a mechanical or 'bionic' arm. The prosthetic device, unlike any other ever made, is driven solely by Mr. Sullivan's brain. Traditional prosthetic arms are body powered, relying upon physical body movements to manipulate and engage the prosthesis. Mr. Sullivan's 'bionic' arm responds to thoughts the way a natural arm would.

"This arm has given back to me a sense of freedom, confidence and independence that I had lost after the accident," said Mr. Sullivan. "I never thought, when both of my arms were amputated, that I could have the quality of life my new arm gives me. I would give anything to get my arms back, but given the alternatives, the procedure developed at RIC is giving me my life back."

With the aide of his 'bionic' arm, Mr. Sullivan can accomplish daily activities that he was unable to do with his standard prosthetic arms. The bionic arm has enabled him to put on his own socks and hat, mow the lawn, vacuum his house and eat his meals without the assistance of another person. And this is only the beginning ... Mr. Sullivan has a dream of one day driving a car and fishing again.

"We developed and tested this procedure for years; this is a 1920s surgery for a 21st Century application. Mr. Sullivan, as the first recipient of this 'bionic' arm, is blazing a trail for the tens of thousands of American's who lose their arms," said Dr. Kuiken. "Losing a limb is one of the most traumatic experiences one can undergo and it is such a wonderful feeling to know that this medical breakthrough can provide hope to amputees all around the world."

About Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is dedicated to helping people with all levels and types of physical disabilities regain or improve their physical functions and empowers them to participate more fully in family, social, vocational and leisure time pursuits. US News & World Report has rated Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago "The Best Rehabilitation Hospital in America" for 13 consecutive years. Additionally, the Institute conducts the largest rehabilitation research effort in the world, with more than 250 projects underway. www.rehabchicago.org