An implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) company named Synchron is developing a neuroprosthesis device named Stentrode.
Stentrode is 8mm in diameter and made from a flexible alloy called nitinol. It is inserted into Superior Sagittal Sinus in the brain via the jugular vein. This kind of BCI devices are not requiring a cut in the skull while other devices like Elon Musk’s Neuralink need the cut in the skull.
A study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that it is possible to use this neuroprosthesis device “Stentrode” to transmit neural signals from inside a blood vessel in the brain over a long-term period without any serious adverse events related to the device.
The study evaluated four patients implanted with Synchron’s Stentrode. Patients participating in the study completed a 12-month follow-up with no persistent neurological deficits. There were no clots or migration of the device. Signal quality remained stable with no evidence of significant deterioration. Each participant successfully controlled a personal computing device with the BCI. Participants were able to use the implant to generate digital switches under intentional control for routine digital activities, such as texting, emailing, personal finance, online shopping, and communication of care needs.
Paralysis may result in a loss of control of muscles in the body, while the brain can remain intact. Motor intent is the brain signal underlying the physical will to move. A brain-computer interface is designed to restore the lost motor intent signal transmission associated with paralysis. The device is implanted in the motor cortex of the brain via the jugular vein in a minimally-invasive endovascular procedure. Once implanted, it detects and wirelessly transmits motor intent in order to control personal digital devices.
Motor intent was detected using a robust decoder that searches for power changes in certain frequency bands. The digital switches were executed under the volitional control of frequency band shifts by the users.
Personal computing devices have transformed how people can interact with the world. In the US, there are approximately 5.4 million individuals with paralysis resulting in their limited ability to control a computer or smartphone. A BCI could restore motor capability by using the cortical motor signal to bypass impaired limbs and directly control a computer. The number of people who could potentially be assisted with BCIs is estimated to reach 50 million in high-income countries by 2025.
News Source: BusinessWire
