The first two patients at a Toronto hospital have become the first in Canada to get implanted with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The celebration was part of the Canadian Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface Study, a robotically implanted BCIs milestone procedure. This research measures the safety and utility aspects of Neuralink’s state-of-the-art technology.
Neuralink, which Musk co-founded in 2016, marked a major achievement in January 2024. The company is currently working toward the successful completion of its first implant into a human brain. The Neuralink implant includes a transmitter linked to ultra-fine, hair-width threads inserted into areas of interest to record the activity of individual neurons. These threads wirelessly transmit electrical signals to the Neuralink Application. In turn, the application translates brain activity into actions—such as controlling a mouse cursor on a computer screen.
The two patients treated in the Toronto hospital have had to live with cervical spinal cord injuries. Their inclusion in this clinical trial is a historic victory. It gives people with quadriplegia the ability to operate outside devices just by thinking about it. This study’s focus is on how Neuralink’s technology should be used to revolutionize medicine. It’s inspiring work, full of promise already being realized, like restoring sight to the blind and allowing paralyzed people to communicate with computers.
Dr. Andres Lozano, the Alan and Susan Hudson Cornerstone Chair in Neurosurgery at University Health Network (UHN), put into focus just how important the trial participants are. Their involvement is key to successful research.
“The patients who volunteered to be the first in Canada are remarkable individuals, making significant contributions to advancing science and healthcare.” – Dr. Andres Lozano
Dr. Thomas Forbes, UHN’s surgeon-in-chief, expressed pride in the hospital’s role in this groundbreaking advancement in neurosurgery.
“We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this revolutionary advancement in neurosurgery.” – Dr. Thomas Forbes
The trial has more immediate benefits, but it aims to lay the groundwork for future advancements. Elon Musk’s Neuralink has plans to test brain chips in humans within the next six months, indicating a vision for more extensive trials that could further push the boundaries of neurotechnology.
