Synchron, a startup that aims to help paralyzed patients become self-reliant using brain transplants, announced that it has received FDA approval for a stentrode, an implant that controls an EEG device.
A stentoid is a network-shaped brain implantation device that can be installed in a blood vessel by inserting a harmless tube into the carotid artery. A hole in the skull, such as Neuralink, a startup led by Elon Musk, could lead to long-term brain inflammation. However, with stentoids, the operation can be completed in two hours due to the maximum physical burden.
Syncron CEO Thomas Oxley said that immediately after implantation of the stentroid, patients can move their limbs by manipulating a wirelessly controlled external device. It is designed to increase independence.
He is also a neuroscientist and has been developing stentroids since around 2010, and conducted clinical trials in humans in 2020. The goal of Synchron is to realize that all data in the brain can be transmitted. The use of blood vessels allows access to all areas of the brain without major surgery, he said.
Syncron plans to conduct clinical trials with six patients in the United States within 2021. The FDA-approved stentroid is likely to hit the market in the near future. Related information can be found here.