Brain-computer interface startup Paradromics announced a major breakthrough today as surgeons successfully implanted and then safely removed the company's brain implant device, Connexus, in a patient's body in about 10 minutes. This marks a key step for the company in the field of direct human brain-computer connection and injects new momentum into the highly competitive brain-computer interface market.
First Human Trial: Leveraging the "Golden Opportunity" of Epilepsy Surgery
This historic surgery took place on May 14 at the University of Michigan and involved a patient undergoing brain surgery to treat epilepsy. The patient agreed to temporarily implant the Connexus device in their temporal lobe, which is responsible for processing auditory information and encoding memory.
Paradromics CEO Matt Angle explained the strategic considerations for choosing this timing: "When someone is undergoing major neurosurgery, it's a very rare opportunity. Their skull will be open, and part of their brain will be removed. In this case, testing a brain implant carries very low marginal risk."
The surgeons used a specialized instrument developed by Paradromics, similar to an EpiPen, to complete the implantation. Researchers then successfully verified the device's ability to record the patient's brain electrical signals.
Technical Advantage: 420 Micro Needles Pursuing "Highest Quality Signal"
Paradromics' implant is smaller than a quarter but integrates 420 tiny needle-like electrodes that directly insert into brain tissue. These needles act as electrodes to record signals from individual neurons, a design concept similar to Neuralink, which has more than 1,000 electrodes distributed across 64 thin and flexible wires.
"By getting close to individual neurons, you can obtain the highest quality signal," Angle emphasized. This high-resolution signal is crucial for accurately decoding what a person wants to express, which is Paradromics' core competitive advantage.
In contrast, other brain-computer interface companies adopt less invasive methods. Precision Neuroscience is testing implants placed on the surface of the brain, while Synchron has developed devices that enter blood vessels and rest on the brain. However, these methods can only collect signals from groups of neurons with relatively lower precision.
Application Prospects: Enabling Paralyzed Patients to "Speak Again"
Paradromics hopes to help patients with spinal cord injuries, strokes, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) regain their speech and communication abilities through Connexus. The device aims to convert neural signals into synthesized speech, text, and cursor control.
The principle of brain-computer interfaces does not involve directly "reading" private thoughts but instead interprets neural signals related to motor intentions. Even if paralyzed patients cannot move their mouths, they can still attempt to make facial movements associated with speaking, which produces unique neural signals in the brain that are then decoded into speech.
In 2023, research teams from Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco reported significant progress. Brain implants were able to decode the expected speech of two paralyzed women at speeds of 62 and 78 words per minute, approaching human normal speaking speed (about 130 words per minute).
Industry Competition: Challenging the Traditional Utah Array
Over the past 20 years, the Utah array, a micro-brush-like implant with 100 spike-like electrodes, has been the cornerstone of brain-computer interface research. This device has helped paralyzed patients control robotic arms, move computer cursors, and produce synthesized speech.
However, the Utah array has obvious limitations: it requires a top-mounted base to connect external devices and gradually degrades over time, damaging brain tissue. Companies like Paradromics and Neuralink are trying to improve this early technology using more durable materials, simpler designs, and more electrodes.
Matt Westly, a neurosurgeon at the University of Michigan, pointed out that more electrodes allow brain-computer interfaces to have better performance and more functions.
Future Planning: From Single Device to Four-Device Combinations
Angle revealed that the company ultimately plans to study the feasibility of implanting up to four devices in the brain, which would mean stronger recording capabilities. But first, the long-term safety of a single Connexus device must be determined.
Paradromics plans to initiate formal clinical trials for paralyzed patients before the end of this year, with participants permanently implanting the device.
Justin Sanchez, a researcher at Battelle Neurotechnology, commented: "It's very difficult to bring a new medical device to market, especially one like the fully implantable brain device they are designing. In the early stages of the regulatory process, you want to implant it in the human brain and ensure it receives the intended signals."
Jennifer Collinger, a brain-computer interface researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, described this trial as a "great rehearsal" that lays the foundation for subsequent longer-term studies.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Austin, Paradromics has been testing its implants on sheep in recent years. The success of this human trial marks a significant step towards commercial application for the company.