A groundbreaking development in brain-computer interface technology has been announced by a Chinese team led by Nankai University. They have successfully conducted the world's first interventional human BCI experiment, marking a significant milestone in the field.

This innovative procedure was instrumental in helping a 67-year-old male patient, who had been suffering from paralysis, regain considerable limb functionality. Details regarding this achievement were shared by Nankai University in an announcement made on Sunday.

The patient had been experiencing left-side paralysis for six months due to a cerebral infarction. Following the procedure, he was able to perform actions such as grasping objects and taking medicine with his left upper limb.

In stark contrast to the invasive skull-opening surgeries employed by Elon Musk's Neuralink last year, Nankai University's method involves inserting a device through neck blood vessels. This stent electrode was carefully guided into the patient's cranial blood vessel wall utilizing advanced high-precision imaging techniques.

In addition to the stent electrode, a wireless transmission and power supply unit was implanted subcutaneously, enabling the collection and transmission of brain electrical signals, as stated by the Nankai research team.

Post-surgery, the system demonstrated stable operation without complications, such as infections. This stability facilitated precise acquisition of brain signals and interactive control capabilities.

Professor Duan Feng, who spearheaded the research at Nankai University, emphasized that the method significantly diminishes surgical risks while ensuring high accuracy in signal acquisition and a reduced recovery period.

This advancement sets the stage for broader adoption of BCI technologies and presents new possibilities for patients with motor dysfunctions, including those recovering from strokes.

This accomplishment follows the team's earlier success in 2023, when they conducted the first interventional BCI experiment on non-human primates.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to recruit additional participants and investigate further rehabilitation techniques, aiming to enhance the quality of life for those affected by motor impairments.