Neuralink, the brain-computer interface (BCI) technology company of Elon Musk, is reportedly facing unique challenges associated with ultra-small wires within the brains of patients, as shared by anonymous insiders. The announcement of Neuralink reflecting their concern over electrode retraction during the first human trial represents a challenge they were aware of, derived from the preclinical research done before the FDA approval last year. However, this apparent understanding did not stop the company from completing the implant, which was aimed at granting paralyzed people the ability to control digital devices through their thoughts.
The originally retracted wires, even thinner than a human hair, could influence the device’s capacity to decode brain signals that form the basis of the translation of thoughts into acts. Algorithm adjustments by Neuralink permitted the functionality to be re-established, but the fear of the future wire pull-outs still remains. Although the FDA found out about the wire issue during the awareness of the problem, it kept silent about its magnitude. Yet, the patient’s safety is still under the FDA’s surveillance as it closely monitors the trial participants of the company. Moving forward, Neuralink has to find a balance between continued trials with the current design and the possibility of more wire issues. The danger of remodelling the threads is that they may cause brain tissue damage if not done entirely correctly.
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However, the main objective of Neuralink is to develop a fully integrated brain implant that can be gradually modified as technology progresses. Nevertheless, the company never loses sight of it. In January, Neuralink did introduce implantation in Noland Arbaugh, a paralytic patient, showing that the company is moving forward with its aim of improving paralysis treatment.