Hope for the injured? Implant allows paralyzed man to move arm using his thoughts

Implants could help people regain movement in their limbs.

A paralyzed man has regained the use of an arm using a brain implant wired to his muscles. His thoughts control the implant. He is now able to feed himself. The study is a breakthrough for medical science and brings new hope to the paralyzed.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Bill Kochevar, 56 is a quadriplegic. In 2006, he was bicycling in the rain behind a mail truck. The truck stopped suddenly, and he was unable to avoid the impact. The accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Now, 11 years later, doctors have restored movement to one of his limbs. In a demonstration, Kochevar scooped spoonfuls of mashed potatoes from a bowl into his mouth.

The technology doctors used is new and experimental. Kochevar underwent two surgeries. The first in 2014 implanted a pill-sized electrode into his brain. Following that procedure, Kochevar practiced using his thoughts to control a simulated arm on a computer screen.

More recently, he underwent a second surgery to wire the electrode to his muscles. Thirty-six electrodes were implanted into his arm, from his shoulder down to his fingers. He then practiced moving his arm with his thoughts.

Doctors found that Kochevar was able to control his arm with virtually 100 percent accuracy.

The procedure marks the first time thoughts have been used to restore movement to a paralyzed limb.

Kochevar also achieved another significant personal milestone; he was able for the first time to drink coffee from a mug.

The study will continue for the next five years, and if practical it may become the working template for future patients.