A team from Nankai University has completed what it calls the world’s first human trial of a BCI implanted through blood vessels.
Led by Professor Duan Feng of Nankai University, Chinese researchers have carried out what they call the world’s first human trial of a brain-computer interface implanted through blood vessels, enabling a paralyzed patient to move his limbs.
A 67-year-old man left paralyzed on one side by a stroke six months ago and diagnosed with hemiplegia, amid slow recovery despite rehabilitation, underwent a brain-computer interface implant to help restore movement. Guided by high-precision imaging, surgeons inserted a stent electrode into blood vessels in his brain through a minimally invasive procedure via a vein in his neck, according to the university. This is quite unlike the approach taken by Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which requires surgery connecting parts of the brain to the chip.Brain-computer implant helps Chinese stroke patient with hemiplegiaThe procedure placed a stent with 50-micrometre thick electrodes along the vessel wall. These electrodes connect through a guide wire in the chest to a wireless device implanted under the skin, allowing EEG signals to be collected and transmitted. Duan explained that the team integrated interventional BCI with functional electrical stimulation, allowing real-time adjustments to the therapy. This method supported motor training and boosted neuroplasticity, resulting in stable and natural limb movements.Chinese media reported that following the treatment, the patient regained voluntary grasping and was able to perform daily tasks like picking up medication, with no side effects such as infection or thrombosis. Before starting human trials, the team carried out extensive animal studies combining BCI technology with functional electrical stimulation.Researchers made significant progress in 2022 by using a BCI to control a sheep’s movements after mapping its electrical signals. The next year, electrodes implanted in a monkey’s superior sagittal sinus enabled it to feed itself using a robotic arm controlled by thought signals from the motor cortex. Duan highlighted in the university statement that this human trial represents the world’s first BCI implantation performed through interventional surgery.China’s growing BCI clinical trials signal leap over US competitorsAccording to the Chinese scientist, such progress paves the way for future widespread use and brings new hope to patients with motor impairments such as those caused by stroke.Furthermore, China’s BCI technology is rapidly advancing beyond current US capabilities, with clinical trials expanding across multiple cities and universities. While American company Synchron—backed by billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos—has performed 10 human interventional surgeries, its BCI only supports activities like social media posts, music, and games on Apple devices, without restoring motor functions, the South China Morning Post writes.Thus, the success of this trial in China not only confirms the safety and effectiveness of the minimally-invasive BCI, but also opens the door for larger-scale applications in the future.In early March, Fudan University announced four minimally invasive spinal cord interface surgeries that allowed the world’s first fully paralyzed patient to stand and walk. Two months later, Zhejiang University’s Second Affiliated Hospital performed the nation’s first closed-loop spinal cord neural interface implantation, enabling a paraplegic patient to walk and use the bathroom independently.The Chinese government is pushing the clinical use of brain-computer interfaces . During March, the National Medical Insurance Administration created a new insurance category for BCI technology to improve access and coverage. Then, on March 31, the Hubei Provincial Medical Insurance Administration set the country’s first pricing guidelines for BCI procedures, including implantation and adaptation, marking a key step toward broader adoption.
China Chinese Researchers Health Paralysis Paralysis Treatment Science
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Zhejiang (CN) job with Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute Haining, ChinaFaculty Positions in Biomedical Sciences/Biomedical Informatics Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute Haining, China About ZJE Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) (http://zje.intl.zju.edu.
Read more »
Neuralink rival Paradromics completes first human implant, plans clinical trialsParadromics completes first human BCI implant, setting stage for clinical trials targeting severe motor impairment.
Read more »
Trump Admin Targets Columbia University Accreditation, Says University Violated ‘Federal Antidiscrimination Laws’Source of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Aqua Illinois water problems expand to University Park, Governors State University sends alertIssues with unsafe drinking water from Aqua Illinois have now expanded to University Park, Illinois, as Governors State University sent out an alert to its community Monday morning.
Read more »
Hacking The Brain: Czech Neurotech Startup Stimvia Brings AI To Non-Invasive BCIStimvia, a Czech neurotech startup, uses AI and non-invasive neuromodulation to treat conditions like Parkinson's and overactive bladder by stimulating the brain via the leg.
Read more »
Academic Hiring Xiangtan University Faculty Openings - Xiangtan (Prefecture), Hunan (CN) job with Xiangtan UniversityXiangtan University (XTU) is a comprehensive and national key university. It has been part of China’s prestigious “Double First-class University Plan”, which only selects elite Chinese universities and programs with global reach and impact.
Read more »