Keith a. bauer However, before looking in depth at the issues discussed above, helpful to look first at some of the ways in which implantable or su icrochips and biosensors are currently being used and how much utility depends on being linked with a larger external information sh of the munication network Current Trends in Implantable Microchips and Biosensors There are a growing number of very specific medical applications for implant ble microchips and biosensors but there are at least three broad functions erformed by these medical devices: (1) prosthetic,(2)monitoring, and(3) enhancement.In what follows, I identify and discuss specific applications of implantable microchips and biosensors that are illustrative, but not exhaustive, f the aforementioned function Prosthetic Applications Although still exotic, neurotrophic brain implants, electrodes that are surgically inserted into the motor cortex of the brain, were first implanted in a human in 998 and used as mental prostheses to compensate for a loss of normal function in persons unable to speak, for example, because of stroke, spinal cord injuries, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurotrophic brain implants are now becom- ng more commonplace. As recently as 2004, the Food and Drug Administration gave approval to begin systematic clinical trails to implant microchips in the brains of paralyzed patients How does a neurotrophic brain implant work? Once the electrode is im- planted into the motor cortex of the patient's brain, neurons in the brain transmit electrical signals to the electrode that, in turn, transmits the same signals to a receiver placed on the patient's scalp. These recorded signals are connected to a computer and are used as a substitute cursor or mouse. As patients learn to control the strength and pattern of electrical impulses being produced in the brain, they are able to direct the cursor to a specific point the computer as they wish. In doing so, patients are able to communicate and can even send e-mail n Implanting an electrode/biosensor in a person s brain is an amazing medical d scientific accomplishment. It must, however, be pointed out that the success of patient communication in this particular example depends on the existence of an external and established telecommunications infrastructure That is, without phone lines, computers, the Internet, e-mail, and simple lectrical power, a neurotrophic brain implant would be useless and not worth implanting in the first place Monitoring applications In addition to prosthetic applications that compensate for the loss of normal function, subdermal microchips and biosensors are also being used to monitor human organs. For example, Medtronic Inc, the first company to develop and market implantable heart monitors in 1997, now has implants so small that they can be inserted inside the heart itself to detect atrial fibrillation and toHowever, before looking in depth at the issues discussed above, it will be helpful to look first at some of the ways in which implantable or subdermal microchips and biosensors are currently being used and how much of their utility depends on being linked with a larger external information and com￾munication network. Current Trends in Implantable Microchips and Biosensors There are a growing number of very specific medical applications for implant￾able microchips and biosensors, but there are at least three broad functions performed by these medical devices: (1) prosthetic, (2) monitoring, and (3) enhancement.3 In what follows, I identify and discuss specific applications of implantable microchips and biosensors that are illustrative, but not exhaustive, of the aforementioned functions. Prosthetic Applications Although still exotic, neurotrophic brain implants, electrodes that are surgically inserted into the motor cortex of the brain, were first implanted in a human in 1998 and used as mental prostheses to compensate for a loss of normal function in persons unable to speak, for example, because of stroke, spinal cord injuries, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.4 Neurotrophic brain implants are now becom￾ing more commonplace. As recently as 2004, the Food and Drug Administration gave approval to begin systematic clinical trails to implant microchips in the brains of paralyzed patients.5 How does a neurotrophic brain implant work? Once the electrode is im￾planted into the motor cortex of the patient’s brain, neurons in the brain transmit electrical signals to the electrode that, in turn, transmits the same signals to a receiver placed on the patient’s scalp. These recorded signals are connected to a computer and are used as a substitute cursor or mouse. As patients learn to control the strength and pattern of electrical impulses being produced in the brain, they are able to direct the cursor to a specific point on the computer as they wish. In doing so, patients are able to communicate and can even send e-mail. Implanting an electrode/biosensor in a person’s brain is an amazing medical and scientific accomplishment. It must, however, be pointed out that the success of patient communication in this particular example depends on the existence of an external and established telecommunications infrastructure. That is, without phone lines, computers, the Internet, e-mail, and simple electrical power, a neurotrophic brain implant would be useless and not worth implanting in the first place. Monitoring Applications In addition to prosthetic applications that compensate for the loss of normal function, subdermal microchips and biosensors are also being used to monitor human organs. For example, Medtronic Inc., the first company to develop and market implantable heart monitors in 1997, now has implants so small that they can be inserted inside the heart itself to detect atrial fibrillation and to


Keith A. Bauer 282