A patient identified as RJ received a brain chip at the Torre UHealth, the flagship hospital of the University of Miami Health System, as part of a clinical trial evaluating the technology from Neuralink, the company co-founded by Elon Musk.
RJ, a military veteran who became paralyzed after a motorcycle accident, is one of seven people in the United States who have received the implant to date.
His operation took place in April, making him the first patient to receive this implant as part of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami (UM), which was chosen as the second center in the country to test the safety and efficacy of the device.
The chip, known as Link or Telepathy, was implanted by surgeons from the Miller School of Medicine. The procedure, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aims to determine whether individuals with paralysis can use their minds to interact wirelessly with computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
The operation was carried out using a Neuralink surgical robot that inserted over 60 extremely thin, flexible threads into the part of the brain responsible for movement.
El Nuevo Herald quoted statements from Dr. Jonathan Jagid, the principal investigator of the trial, who asserted that the surgery was "perfect" and the patient was discharged the following day.
So far, the results are promising. A video released by the university shows RJ playing video games using only his mind, without wires or controllers. "They are bringing back the spark... the drive. They have given me back my purpose," RJ stated in a statement.
Elon Musk assured at the end of June that they are carefully working to ensure the safety of each patient and emphasized that they have not had any failures in any of the cases. “We are very cautious with Neuralink in humans,” he stated.
The Telepathy trial is seeking volunteers between the ages of 22 and 75 who suffer from paralysis in both hands due to cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an incurable neurodegenerative disease.
The involvement of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, founded by Marc Buoniconti, marks a milestone in the research of therapies for individuals with motor disabilities. Marc became quadriplegic in 1985 and has dedicated his life to promoting this type of research.
In addition to controlling screens and video games, Neuralink is exploring the use of the chip to operate robotic arms and other assistive tools. According to the company, the software decodes brain signals and converts them into digital commands, such as moving a cursor or turning on the television.
“I think my favorite thing is being able to turn on the TV, as if it were the first time in two and a half years,” RJ said in a video call with other trial patients. He also showed himself playing Call of Duty and Mario Kart using only his mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuralink's Brain Chip Implant in Miami
What is the Neuralink brain chip implanted in Miami?
The implanted brain chip is a technology developed by Neuralink, the company co-founded by Elon Musk, which aims to determine whether paralyzed individuals can use their minds to wirelessly interact with electronic devices. The implant seeks to enhance the quality of life for people with motor disabilities.
What was the procedure for implanting the Neuralink chip?
The procedure was performed using a Neuralink surgical robot that inserted more than 60 flexible threads into the part of the brain responsible for movement. The operation was described as "perfect" by Dr. Jonathan Jagid, the principal investigator of the trial, and the patient was discharged the following day.
What benefits has the patient experienced with the Neuralink implant?
The patient RJ has shown promising results, such as playing video games using only his mind and wirelessly turning on the television. RJ expressed that the implant has restored his motivation and purpose in life.
What is the objective of Neuralink's clinical trial in Miami?
The clinical trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the Neuralink device in individuals with paralysis, enabling them to interact with electronic devices wirelessly. It is also seeking volunteers aged between 22 and 75 with paralysis in both hands due to cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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