Canadian neurosurgeons seek six patients for Neuralink brain study
World
This technology primarily aims to restore brain function, but in the future, it may also enable "writing" functionality, says Lozano. For instance, visually impaired individuals might be able to "see" images.
Canadian neurosurgeons, in collaboration with Elon Musk's Neuralink, have received approval to recruit six volunteers for a study involving the implantation of thousands of electrode contacts into the brains of paralyzed patients.
The trial, named CAN-PRIME, has begun recruiting patients to test the safety and efficacy of a device that allows individuals to control cursors using their thoughts.
Neuralink announced the project earlier this week, following approval by the Health Canada regulator. Neuralink had previously implanted similar devices in two patients in the United States.
During the trial, a two-ton robot will implant 64 electrodes, each containing 16 contacts, into regions of the brain responsible for hand movements. These electrodes will transmit signals, enabling connected devices to move when the patient thinks about movement.
To participate in the project, patients must have severe quadriplegia caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or a spinal cord injury. The surgery will take place in Toronto, while the technology will be used by the patient at home. Doctors will handle patient selection, ensure surgical safety, and monitor health.
"The surgery is undoubtedly a necessary and critical step, but we will not analyze or handle the data — that’s up to the company," said Lozano.
According to Brad Wouters, vice president of science and research at University Health Network in Toronto, it may take years for this technology to become widely available. However, he noted that Elon Musk "has demonstrated an ability to move quickly," as reported by Reuters.
The trial, named CAN-PRIME, has begun recruiting patients to test the safety and efficacy of a device that allows individuals to control cursors using their thoughts.
Neuralink announced the project earlier this week, following approval by the Health Canada regulator. Neuralink had previously implanted similar devices in two patients in the United States.
During the trial, a two-ton robot will implant 64 electrodes, each containing 16 contacts, into regions of the brain responsible for hand movements. These electrodes will transmit signals, enabling connected devices to move when the patient thinks about movement.
To participate in the project, patients must have severe quadriplegia caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or a spinal cord injury. The surgery will take place in Toronto, while the technology will be used by the patient at home. Doctors will handle patient selection, ensure surgical safety, and monitor health.
"The surgery is undoubtedly a necessary and critical step, but we will not analyze or handle the data — that’s up to the company," said Lozano.
According to Brad Wouters, vice president of science and research at University Health Network in Toronto, it may take years for this technology to become widely available. However, he noted that Elon Musk "has demonstrated an ability to move quickly," as reported by Reuters.
Powered by Froala Editor