Elon Musk's brain technology startup Neuralink announced that its implant, designed to enable paralyzed patients to operate digital devices through thought alone, has been successful in a second trial participant. The company revealed that the patient, identified as Alex, did not encounter the 'thread retraction' problems that the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, faced after receiving the implant in January. For Arbaugh, the small wires of the implant retracted following surgery, significantly reducing the number of electrodes capable of measuring brain signals. Neuralink stated that the threads have since stabilized for Arbaugh. Reuters previously reported that Neuralink was aware of this issue from its animal trials. On Wednesday, the company stated that it has taken steps to prevent such issues in future patients, including reducing brain movement during surgery and minimizing the gap between the implant and the brain's surface. Neuralink is currently testing its device, which aims to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries. The device has already allowed the first patient to engage in activities such as playing video games, browsing the internet, posting on social media, and controlling a cursor on his laptop. Last month, the company successfully implanted the device in a second patient, who has been using it to play video games and learn how to design 3D objects.
Text: Lara Palmer
22.08.2024
Elon Musk's Neuralink reports successful implant in second patient without thread retraction issues