The first surgery to implant an invasive neural interface was performed in Shanxi
On August 19, a medical team in China’s Shanxi Province performed the region’s first surgery to implant an invasive brain-computer interface (BCI). The system was implanted in a patient with high-level paralysis that has lasted for three years, according to ECNS.
The surgery was performed by a team led by Guo Gen, director of the BCI Clinical Research Center at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. According to the publication, the system allows the patient to control external devices—including a computer and “smart home” devices—using brain signals.
The neural interface can also control a pneumatic glove to perform daily activities, such as eating and drinking. According to ECNS, the technology may eventually help patients regain independent arm movement.
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A flexible cortical electrode 10 micrometers thick was placed in the target area of the brain. Afterward, stable collection, transmission, and decoding of neural signals were observed.
According to He Gen, the system was designed for fully subcutaneous implantation, which should reduce the risk of infection and make it more comfortable for daily use. The ultra-flexible electrodes read brain signals while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. The system also supports wireless charging and data transmission via Bluetooth; the reported response latency is 50 milliseconds.
