Patent application filed for remote-controlled implants

A group of researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab has filed a patent application for a system of "implantable devices using magnetic guidance." As envisioned by the developers, the system will allow implants such as eye and ear enhancements to be controlled externally. Unfortunately, the application is based on a system that would require a wired connection using an electromagnetic charge. Too bad. We were really looking forward to the ability to get our commands delivered directly from the collective, and having to be within shouting distance of the Queen really doesn't do it.

[Joe Smith @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:12PM]

remote control implants, you say? This is giving me funny ideas ;)

[sasoon @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:15PM]

yummy impalnts

[Matt @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:16PM]

remote control impaltns, you say?

[JS @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:30PM]

whats an impalnt?

[Grey @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:35PM]

Looks like a tampon...

[Mohammed Waseem @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:38PM]

Seems, like internal devices deep inside the oragans would be able to be controlled by the remotes. Going to be a breakthrough in Medicine.

[Coyote @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:46PM]

Just have to say this,
Your eyes have been hacked.

Anyways the best use i can see for this is maybe some type of boreing device that can clean out arteries or travel through the body with a tiny camera and find obstructions. Really if they can do this and somehow give it enough power it could alot to better medical scince.

[viro @ Mar 23rd 2006 3:57PM]

lol, impalnts?

[Abstract3 @ Mar 23rd 2006 4:05PM]

Hmmm... I believe what they are saying is not that the implants are controlled externally, but rather that you can manipulate them (hence implant them) using a device external to the body. This would allow you to adjust the implant without cutting into the person, and makign the manipulation via direct contact.

okay okay... I know you want to read about BORG technology.. well you need to be reading about Kevin Warwick :) http://www.kevinwarwick.com/

Enjoy the borg Tech :)

[Nate @ Mar 23rd 2006 4:17PM]

I, for one, welcome our new cyborg masters.

[mdeltito @ Mar 23rd 2006 4:53PM]

i can just imagine:

Bluetooth controlled limbs being bluejacked. "Who just sent a effing contact to my leg???"

[laughing man @ Mar 23rd 2006 5:53PM]

Eyes hacked!?!? quick call the Major!

[justin @ Mar 23rd 2006 5:54PM]

You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile...

[Bill Koslosky, MD @ Mar 23rd 2006 5:59PM]

Cyberonics has a vagal nerve stimulator for recurrent depression that is controlled with a magnetic wand placed over the implant in the patient's chest.

How is this a breakthrough?

[Ellie @ Mar 23rd 2006 5:59PM]

I really trust a device that has a patent using the comic book font.

[Doctors' Gadgets @ Mar 23rd 2006 6:11PM]

I suspect this kind of technology will have lots of uses in medicine. At the moment, minimally invasive surgery still involves having a solid connection between the surgeon (or robot) and the implant or surgical tools.

This means that you have to create a fairly large tunnel through which to operate. If you can have implants that are remote controlled you can detact yourself from the tunnel and potentially pilot the implant to it final destination. The end result will be a lot less trauma to the patient, faster healing times and potentially less complications.

[Mike C @ Mar 23rd 2006 6:40PM]

Remote-controlled implants = Bouncing on demand.

[James @ Mar 23rd 2006 7:02PM]

Assimilate me! Please!

[Krono6 @ Mar 23rd 2006 8:19PM]

Finally, I'll have a remote control CD Player instead of that annoying twit of a Heart XD

Aaaaanyway, I do see this as a great breakthrough in Medical Science, shouldn't be long before this is implimented into hospitals everywhere, I say. HUZZAH

[db @ Mar 26th 2006 2:28AM]

If you have the time, read the patent app -- especially the last page about what could be done within the eye.

There is more to this than the positioning of equipment within the body as that is done already with magnetically controlled set-ups.

Although this patent does improve on such placement, the real key work is on the way in which it will allow a signal to be sent to your nervous system and interpreted as vision or hearing by the brain. And, no, a hard connection is not required for that.

All of the hard connection can be removed at then end of the operation establishing correct placement and attachment. Only the implant will remain.

So the Queen can reach you. Be warned.