How brain computer interfaces can benefit more patients

Beinao-1 "is a new generation of implantable brain computer interface system independently developed by China, which has made full chain progress in technology and is also a breakthrough. In terms of application, people naturally expect to use this technology to enable paralyzed individuals to walk again and enable aphasia individuals to express themselves again. In the past two years, relevant clinical applications have been steadily and rapidly advancing in reality.

On April 13th, the first nationwide public live broadcast of the "Beinao-1" implantable brain computer interface surgery was held. Why live streaming? In addition, brain computer interfaces have been included in this year's Government Work Report and listed as a forward-looking industry in the 15th Five Year Plan. What is the level of its development so far? For ordinary people, how far is it from being able to use and afford it?

At 9:00 am on April 13th, a clinical trial surgery for the "Beinao-1" implantable brain computer interface was conducted on time in the operating room of Beijing Temple of Heaven Hospital. The special feature of this surgery is that it is the first brain computer interface surgery to be broadcast live nationwide. The patient undergoing brain computer interface testing surgery this time is a young male who has been paralyzed for two and a half years due to an electric vehicle accident. According to the plan, two weeks after surgery, the patient will begin using brain computer interface devices for hand function training with brain computer feedback.

Beinao-1 "is a semi invasive wireless fully implanted brain computer system that uses surgery to attach electrodes outside the dura mater for human-machine interaction. It is completely independently developed by China and is the world's first brain computer interface system that achieves over 100 channels of high-throughput and wireless full implantation. 'More than 100 channels' and' wireless full implantation 'mean that its advanced level has been greatly improved compared to previous products.

How safe is brain computer interface implantation surgery

Cao Yong, Executive Deputy Director of the Neurosurgery Center at Beijing Temple of Heaven Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University: Looking back at the 9 previous surgeries for the implantation of "Beinao-1", so far, firstly, there have been no serious complications in the brain computer interface implantation surgery; Secondly, the electrical signals obtained by the 9 patients have always been stable and clear; Thirdly, there are no errors in the operation process. These three sentences fully summarize the safety of the implantation process of "Beinao-1".

How far is it from affordable for ordinary patients

Cao Yong: The cost of medical equipment actually includes two parts. The difference between the surgical cost of brain computer interface implantation and other medical equipment implantation is not particularly significant. But if the investment in medical devices is large, the cycle is long, and the technological content is high, the price will definitely not be cheap when it first comes out. But I believe that the rules of all medical devices are the same. With the popularization and promotion of technology, especially the iteration of technology, its price will definitely become affordable for everyone.