Health Canada has approved the start of clinical trials of Neuralink neurochips. Recruitment of volunteers is open, Elon Musk's company reported.
One of Canada's largest research and medical centres, University Health Network (UHN), said its Toronto Western Hospital will be the first outside the US to implant a wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) from Neuralink.
The institution conducts research in neurology, psychiatry, genetics and other medical disciplines. New treatment methods and technologies are developed here.
“We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this research advancement in neurosurgery. […] As the first and exclusive surgical centre in Canada to perform this procedure, we will continue to shape the future of neurological care […],” said UHN President and CEO Kevin Smith.
The CAN-PRIME study plans to "assess the safety of the implant and surgical robot, the functionality of the BCI, and the ability to give people the ability to control external devices with their thoughts."
“This landmark surgery has the potential to transform and improve outcomes for patients who were previously limited,” said CAN-PRIME study leader Andres Lozano.
Let us recall that in September, Neuralink began searching for volunteers to test the Blindsight implant, which allows for the restoration of vision.
Earlier, the company reported on the success of the second patient, who had a neurochip implanted in his brain.
