Musk's Neuralink - Canadian neurosurgeons look for patients

"Neurosurgeons in Toronto, working with Elon Musk's Neuralink, have received official permission to look for six people with paralysis to participate in a study. These participants will have a device with a thousand tiny electrodes implanted in their brains."

The study, named CAN-PRIME, is now looking for participants. It aims to test a device that would enable individuals to control computer cursors using their thoughts, according to the surgeon in charge of the trial.

This week, Neuralink received approval from Health Canada to proceed with their research. Previously, Neuralink had successfully implanted similar devices in two patients in the United States.

Neuralink's directors contacted Andres Lozano, a neurosurgeon at Toronto's University Health Network, a year ago, as he explained to Reuters. He believes his prior experience with different types of brain implants likely influenced their decision to reach out to him.

Lozano said, "I and our whole team were eager to take part in this trial."

The trial involves using a large two-ton robot to place 64 electrodes, each containing 16 contacts, into the brain areas that control hand movements in patients.

The concept behind the trial is that the electrodes will pick up brain activity related to hand movements. When patients think about moving, these signals can then be used to control connected devices.

To qualify for the trial, individuals need to have severe quadriplegia caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or a spinal cord injury. The surgery will take place in Toronto, and participants will be able to use the technology at home. Dr. Lozano hopes to begin the trial in the upcoming new year.

Dr. Lozano mentioned that any surgical procedure carries risks, including the possibility of complications. For this trial, potential issues could include brain bleeds, infections, or problems with the wires such as breaking or failing to transmit signals.

In May, Neuralink reported that wires had come loose in their first patient, an issue that sources told Reuters the company had been aware of for several years.

Neuralink did not respond to inquiries for comment. However, Health Canada confirmed that it granted authorization for the study on November 15, though they did not disclose the specific study protocols.

Brad Wouters, executive vice president of science and research at University Health Network, mentioned that it will likely be years before this technology is available to the general public. However, he noted that Elon Musk has shown he can progress projects rapidly.