China has approved the world’s first invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) medical device that is placed inside the body for public use. The approval was given by the country’s medical regulator, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), marking a major step in medical technology that connects the human brain directly with computers and machines. NMPA confirmed that the device can now be used to support patients with serious nerve injuries.
A device is based on a system that reads signals from the brain and turns them into commands for machines. In simple terms, it allows a person to control a device using their thoughts. This can be very helpful for people who cannot move their hands or legs because of severe injuries or disabilities.
This device is known as an invasive BCI. This means tiny electrodes are placed inside the body so the system can collect signals directly from the brain. Then these signals are sent to a computer system that can turn them into actions, such as moving a device or controlling a tool.
This technology was developed by a medical tech company in Shanghai. It is designed for patients who have lost hand movement because of spinal cord injuries in the neck. When the system reads brain’s signals, it can send commands to a wearable glove that helps the person move their hand.
Doctors say this type of device can help many people who live with paralysis. Reports have shown that some patients were able to improve their ability to hold objects after using this system. This device can help people perform daily tasks and live more independently.
The device uses a minimally invasive method during surgery. This means doctors place the device in a way that reduces damage to the brain while still allowing it to read brain signals. The signals from the brain are sent wirelessly to other devices that perform the action requested by the brain.
Experts say this technology could become more common in the future. Researchers believe that systems like this could be used in more hospitals and clinics over the next three to five years as the technology improves and becomes safer.
China has been investing a lot of money in brain technology research in recent years. The government has called brain-computer interfaces as one of its important future industries. Scientists and tech companies across the country are working on new systems to use brain signals to control devices, help patients recover movement, and improve medical care.
Around the world, many tech companies and research teams are also trying to develop similar systems. In the United States, companies such as Neuralink are working to build tiny devices placed inside the brain that help people with serious disabilities to communicate and control machines using their thoughts.
While the technology still needs more testing and careful monitoring, scientists say it gives real hope who cannot move or have serious nerve injuries. With more research and better devices, brain-computer interfaces may become an important part of modern medicine and rehabilitation in the coming years.
