Home Use of a Percutaneous Wireless Intracortical Brain-Computer Interface by Individuals With Tetraplegia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Neurological conditions like ALS, spinal cord injury, and stroke can lead to tetraplegia, rendering individuals unable to move or communicate effectively.
• Current assistive technologies often fall short for those with severe motor impairments.
• Intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) show promise for restoring function by decoding neural signals, but are limited by wired connections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first human use of a wireless broadband iBCI.
• To overcome the limitations of cabled iBCIs, enhancing independence and communication for individuals with paralysis.
• To assess the feasibility and performance of a wireless iBCI system in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A 192-electrode iBCI prototype was adapted with wireless transmitters, replacing external cables.
• High-resolution recording and decoding of broadband field potentials and spiking activity were performed.
• Two participants with paralysis in a pilot clinical trial used the wireless iBCI for cursor control and tablet operation.

Main Results:

• Communication bitrates were comparable between cabled and wireless iBCI configurations.
• Participants successfully controlled a tablet computer for web browsing and app usage.
• Continuous 24-hour wireless iBCI recording at home demonstrated system reliability and potential for extended use.

Conclusions:

• The wireless broadband iBCI represents a significant advancement for human neuroscience research.
• This technology is a crucial step towards practical, independent use of iBCIs by individuals with paralysis.
• On-demand access to high-performance wireless iBCIs can greatly enhance independence, communication, and mobility for those with severe motor impairments.