Neuralink revealed that part of its brain implant malfunctioned following the first-in-human procedure on patient Noland Arbaugh. Several threads retracted from the patient’s brain, affecting the system’s speed and accuracy.
Brain-Computer Interface Designed to Help Patients with Paralysis
Neuralink’s brain-computer interface, the Link, aims to assist patients with paralysis in controlling external technologies through their minds. The system records neural signals using 1,024 electrodes across 64 thin threads, providing a potential breakthrough in the field of neuroscience.
Despite facing technical issues, including thread retraction from the patient’s brain, Neuralink’s BCI system has still shown promising results. Patient Arbaugh has been able to use the technology for several hours daily, experiencing a ‘luxury overload’ and reconnecting with the world.
Threads Retracted from Patient’s Brain, Affecting Electrodes
Neuralink’s first human brain implant in Noland Arbaugh faced a setback as a number of threads retracted from his brain, affecting the effectiveness of the electrodes. This issue hindered the company’s ability to measure the speed and accuracy of the brain-computer interface.
Workaround Implemented to Improve Signal Translation and User Interface
Following the retraction of threads from Arbaugh’s brain, Neuralink implemented a workaround to enhance the recording algorithm, improve the user interface, and refine techniques for translating signals into cursor movements. Despite the technical issue, Arbaugh is able to use the BCI system for several hours a day, describing it as a “luxury overload” that has helped him “reconnect with the world.” This workaround has allowed Neuralink to continue testing and improving its technology.
Patient Still Using BCI System for Several Hours a Day
There’s good news as Noland Arbaugh, the first patient with Neuralink’s brain implant, continues to use the BCI system for around eight hours a day during the week, and often as many as 10 hours a day on the weekends. Despite technical issues, Arbaugh describes the Link as a “luxury overload” that has helped him “reconnect with the world.”
Neuralink Faces Long Road of Safety and Efficacy Testing Ahead
While Neuralink’s brain-computer interface offers promising possibilities, the company faces a long road of safety and efficacy testing before it can seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercialization. Despite setbacks, the field of brain-computer interfaces has been explored for decades in academic settings. It’s crucial for Neuralink to navigate these challenges meticulously to ensure the technology’s reliability and safety for future patients.
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