Neuralink reports mechanical issues with implant following initial human surgery

In a recent development, Elon Musk’s brain technology company, Neuralink Corp., faced a setback as the device implanted in its first human patient encountered mechanical issues. The company revealed in a blog post that some of the electrode-studded threads in the brain tissue of patient Noland Arbaugh began to retract, causing the device to malfunction.

Following the surgery in January, Neuralink implemented software fixes to address the retraction issue, leading to a significant improvement in Arbaugh’s performance. The company is now focusing on enhancing text entry and cursor control for the device, with plans to expand its capabilities to control physical world devices like robotic arms and wheelchairs.

Experts in the brain-implant field suggested that the complications may have arisen due to the threads connecting to a device within the skull bone, rather than directly on the brain tissue surface. This design flaw could lead to perturbations when the brain moves within the intracranial space, causing the threads to retract.

Neuralink had extensively tested the device in animals before implanting it in Arbaugh, a quadriplegic. However, the difference in brain size between animals and humans could be a factor in the device’s performance issues. Any delays in addressing these malfunctions could potentially impact Neuralink’s plans to implant the device in more human subjects and seek FDA approval.

The news of Neuralink’s device malfunction comes at a crucial time for the company as it strives to advance its brain technology and revolutionize the field of neurotechnology.