Elon Musk‘s Neuralink revealed last week that its first patient experienced an issue with the brain implant, with wires being pulled out of position. However, a Reuters exclusive report suggests that this is an issue the company has known about for years.
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The report indicates that even before Neuralink obtained approval for the implant, it was aware, through animal testing, that the wires could retract and potentially dislodge sensitive brain signal electrodes. Despite this, Neuralink was unwilling to redesign the implant.
Allegedly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was aware of the potential wire issue as Neuralink had shared the results of its implant testing in animals.
What Is Neuralink’s Brain Implant?
Neuralink is testing its brain implant to enable paralyzed patients to control digital devices with their thoughts. The signals from the brain are translated into actions, such as moving a cursor on a computer screen. This implant, if successful, could significantly benefit people with spinal cord injuries.
However, the company stated last week that wires thinner than hair retracted from a patient’s brain during its first human trial, reducing the number of electrodes capable of measuring brain signals. The first implant in a human brain had completed 100 days last week.
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