FDA APPROVAL FOR THE DEKA ARM SYSTEM

The First Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm Passes FDA Hurdle

Good news for amputees in the US, the DEKA Arm System, the most advanced prosthesis prototype of its kind, has been approved by the FDA. The Deka arm which is capable of ten types of movement, works by converting muscle contractions into controlled movement via electromyogram (EMG) electrodes located near the amputation site.

The system was largely funded by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) who are on mission to revolutionize prosthetic design for disabled veterans.

The recent FDA approval is the culmination of years of clinical testing involving the Department of Veterans Affairs. These tests have revealed some interesting results. Of the 36 participants who took part in the trials, 90 percent were able to perform activities that they were not capable of doing with their existing prosthetic arms. These activities range from preparing food to using keys and locks.

Currently many prosthetics are limited to one type of movement, it is hoped the Deka arm will bridge-the-gap and provide amputees with increased movement.