Embarking on The Path of Brain Rewiring

In a future where linking brains to computers is commonplace, the demand for skilled surgeons to implant the necessary hardware will soar.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer a realm of possibilities straight out of science fiction, converting neural signals into actionable commands through devices implanted into the skull. Experimental BCIs have already demonstrated their potential, aiding paralyzed individuals in communication, internet usage, and controlling prosthetic limbs. Recent advancements have even enabled wireless connectivity. Should mind-reading computers become ubiquitous, the installation of minuscule electrodes and transmitters—essential components of BCIs—will require proficient medical professionals. If you possess a steady hand and a tolerance for surgical procedures, a career as a BCI surgeon could beckon.

Dr. Shahram Majidi, a neurosurgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, delves into the not-so-distant future where he envisions performing numerous procedures akin to the clinical trials for a BCI named the Stentrode, which he began in 2022.

The evolution of BCIs spans several decades, resulting in diverse implant types. Some variants employ electrodes directly connected to the brain, necessitating wires protruding from the skull to interface with a computer. While commendable for proof of concept, this design mandates constant supervision by an engineer and proximity to a sizable computer, limiting practicality. Conversely, BCIs like the Stentrode, the focus of my work, offer a more elegant solution. Here, electrodes reside within blood vessels adjacent to the brain, accessed through the jugular vein. A receiver implanted beneath the skin of the chest communicates with a device via Bluetooth, decoding brain signals without extruding hardware. This, I believe, epitomizes the future of BCIs.

The surgical procedure is minimally invasive, obviating the need for cranial incisions and preserving brain anatomy integrity. Deploying a stent into a cerebral blood vessel mirrors procedures I've performed extensively, albeit with the added complexity of precisely targeting specific brain regions to record signals. The success of the operation hinges on meticulous implant delivery, a skill honed through extensive training. Typically, the entire process—from entry into the operating room to device verification—takes under three hours.

Our trial participants endure severe disabilities, often stemming from conditions like ALS, rendering them bedridden and reliant on assistance even for hospital visits. Consequently, I've conducted consultations within their homes, elucidating the device's functionality while managing expectations amidst the excitement.

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