Experimental brain implants represent a new era in medicine. They help people suffering from various diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and depression. However, when the manufacturer of such devices goes bankrupt, patients dependent on them are at risk.
Such was the case with Rita Leggett, who had suffered from chronic epilepsy since she was three years old. She tried many treatments, but nothing helped her quite like the experimental Neurovista brain implant. The device was designed to detect impending seizures and warn patients about them.
Trials of the device have been mixed, but for Leggett, it was a real boon. She was able to take preventive medications and avoid seizures. The device also had a psychological effect on her, making her feel better.
However, when the manufacturer of Neurovista went bankrupt, Leggett received a termination letter. She tried to keep her device, but was forced to remove it. This caused her psychological harm and prevented her from doing certain jobs, driving, and communicating as she could with the device installed.
Rita Leggett’s situation raised ethical concerns about the rights of any “new person” who is the result of brain implants. She was in a kind of symbiotic human-machine relationship with the device, relying on it and using it to increase her own “agency.
Many experts believe that such devices should be available to patients, despite the financial problems of the manufacturing companies. They improve patients’ lives and help them control their disease.
As Leggett said, “Turning off my device was the beginning of a period of mourning for me. I lost a part of myself.” This shows how important it is to maintain access to such devices for those who depend on them.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2023/06/doctors-had-to-remove-patients-brain.html