Scientists are actively developing interfaces for transferring data from the brain to a computer, and they all have a huge disadvantage - the implementation is carried out through an open operation. The technology allows paralyzed people to communicate using a computer, but surgery can cause seizures and strokes. To solve this problem, Synchron has developed the Stentrode brain implant, which can be passed to the brain through the inside of the veins that carry blood away from the neck and head. This approach eliminates the need for surgery.
It is proposed to bring the implanted device to the brain through the jugular vein. The implantation into tissue, according to the researchers' calculations, takes about two weeks, and does not harm the human body - this was found out during testing on animals. The company recently received approval to conduct human trials - the device will be tested on five patients with mouth and hand disorders. It took several weeks to select the right people, according to Synchron CEO Thomas Oxley.
Before testing, patients will have to undergo a thorough examination, during which researchers will study the structure of their brain. Before implanting a medical stent implant, it is necessary to ensure that the blood vessels of the volunteers are in good enough shape to withstand the presence of a foreign object.
Also, volunteers will have to train hard to learn how to operate the computer with their thoughts. Ideally, the company wants to ensure that paralyzed people can type text with their thoughts as quickly and easily as messages on a smartphone.
The technology involves constantly monitoring people's brain activity, which puts their privacy at risk. The company assures that it will not use and transfer this data for other purposes - in the contract, patients give permission to conduct an experiment, and not to process information.
This does not mean that the interface will not be used for other purposes. Researchers believe that by implanting an implant in the brain, exoskeletons and robotic avatars can be created that instantly execute human commands.
Ramis Ganiev
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