Neuralink Advances in Brain Implants for Patients

Neuralink, the neurotechnology company created by Elon Musk in 2016, is making progress in its goal to provide technology for individuals with severe disabilities. Recently, the company reported that it has successfully implanted its brain device into a third patient. This achievement follows the first human implant performed on Noland Arbaugh last year, who has been able to play chess and video games using his thoughts.

Neuralink’s innovative technology centers around its N1 brain-computer interface (BCI), which utilizes advanced robotics for implantation into the human brain. Musk stated in a recent livestream that the first three patients are doing well, and the company plans to perform between 20 to 30 more implants by the end of this year.

Restoring Digital Interaction

The primary aim of Neuralink is to restore digital autonomy to those suffering from quadriplegia. By employing ultra-fine threads with electrodes, the device allows paralyzed individuals to control digital devices effortlessly through their thoughts. Arbaugh, who was left paralyzed after a swimming accident in 2016, has experienced some challenges with his implant. He lost certain functionalities when the threads became loose but has since regained much of the device's capability through software updates by Neuralink.

For their second human installation, Neuralink adjusted their surgical technique by implanting the threads deeper into the brain and minimizing movement during the procedure. This patient, who remains anonymous, received the implant in July and has already started using it to play video games and create 3D designs.

Future Prospects for Neuralink

Questions about the longevity of Neuralink's devices remain a significant concern. Experts point out that similar devices typically encounter functionality issues after two to three years, largely due to the body’s immune response to foreign objects. However, the design of Neuralink's threads and emphasis on non-invasive implantation are hopeful indicators for their durability.

Neuralink's ongoing Prime study aims to assess the safety of its device among quadriplegic patients. Additionally, the company announced another study named Convoy, approved in September 2024, which will explore the potential for using the brain device to control assistive robotic arms.

One of Neuralink's most ambitious upcoming projects is a device named Blindsight, which aims to restore sight to blind patients by connecting directly to the visual cortex. In September, this project received a breakthrough device designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), expediting development for such life-changing technology.

While the existing studies, Prime and Convoy, involve recording brain activity and translating it into signals, Blindsight intends to stimulate the brain with electricity. This could potentially provide blind individuals with enough visual data to form basic images. According to experts, there are currently few options available for completely blind patients, making this innovation a significant breakthrough in medical technology.

Neuralink, Brain, Technology