In a remarkable advancement for medical technology, a team of Chinese developers from Tsinghua University, in collaboration with surgical teams from two Beijing hospitals, has successfully utilized the Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO) brain-computer interface (BCI) to aid paralysis patients.
Since the beginning of the year, BCI technology has made significant strides, highlighted by Neuralink's recent achievements. However, China's approach with the NEO device offers a unique minimally invasive solution. Developed by scientists at Tsinghua's School of Medicine, NEO consists of an internal component embedded between the skull and the dura mater, and an external power link that communicates neural signals to computers or smartphones.
The first patient, a tetraplegic named Laoyang, underwent surgery in October last year. After a swift 10-day hospital stay, Laoyang began recovering limb movements and regained some motion after three months. Zhao Guoguang, the leading neurosurgeon, emphasized the novelty of the surgical procedure and the importance of collaboration between R&D and manufacturing teams to ensure safety.
Another_success story involves a patient treated at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. This individual, who sustained a high-level spinal cord injury, was able to control a computer cursor using only brain waves after a month of recovery with an air-filled glove.
Hong Bo, the lead developer of NEO, highlighted the device's advantages over more invasive systems like Neuralink's "Telepathy." While Neuralink offers richer brain signals, NEO minimizes potential brain damage and inflammatory reactions, making it a safer option with a quicker recovery time.
The future of BCI technology holds promise beyond mobility restoration. Integration with other rehabilitation devices could address cognitive impairments and mental health issues, paving the way for broader clinical applications. As Zhao Chenchen aptly quoted Miguel Nicolelis, \"Through a brain-computer interface, we hope that people can join in the chorus and continue the music, allowing them to complete it.\"
Reference(s):
Tech Please: How can China's 'smartbrains' help paralysis patients?
cgtn.com
