A brain-computer interface (BCI) has moved from the lab into real clinical use.
The world’s first commercial implant surgery using the NEO system has been completed in Shanghai, shortly after the device received approval for market use and its first prescription was issued.
The patient, Xu, suffered spinal cord injury in a car accident 10 years ago, leaving his hand-grip function impaired. The NEO system collects and decodes brain signals to recognize movement intentions, creating a communication pathway between the brain and an external assistive device to help restore hand-grasping ability.
Before surgery, doctors at Fudan University-affiliated Huashan Hospital used functional MRI and brain structure simulation to determine the electrode placement. Post-surgery tests showed stable, high-quality brain signals.
After recovery, Xu will begin device activation and rehabilitation training with medical guidance.
“I hope I can improve my quality of life. My biggest dream is to walk up stairs and open the fingers of my right hand,” Xu said.
What would you like to see BCI help people do in the future?
