brain Implant Gives Paralyzed Veteran Digital Freedom

Miami, FL – RJ, a U.S. Army veteran, regained control of digital devices after receiving a brain implant in Miami. Previously tetraplegic due to a motorcycle accident, RJ can now operate computers and mobile phones, restoring his digital independence.

This groundbreaking surgery marks the first collaboration between the ‘Miami Project to Cure paralysis’ and neuralink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016. It follows two similar successful procedures performed on patients with comparable conditions in recent months.

“They are very happy and feel they’ve gained a new degree of freedom.In a very short time, they’re able to control a computer mouse, their phone, send text messages, and play video games,” explained Allan Levi, clinical director of the Miami Project, to EFE.

As January, the Miami Project, affiliated with the University of Miami School of Medicine, has served as one of two clinical trial sites for Neuralink’s brain chips.The other site is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Neuralink has developed both the chip and the robot that places the electrodes in the brain,” Levi stated. He added that neurosurgeons focus on collaborating with engineers, determining the precise implant location, ensuring patient suitability, and managing the operational logistics, including the skull opening procedure.

Doctors utilize a surgical robot to implant over 1,000 electrodes onto the brain’s surface, enabling the patient to control external devices.