Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, has been aware for years that the tiny wires in its device could retract, causing potential issues, according to five informed sources. Animal testing prior to U.S. approval revealed that the wires might pull out, affecting the electrodes that decode brain signals. Despite recognizing this risk, Neuralink did not see the need for a redesign.
The company’s implant aims to enable paralyzed patients to control digital devices through thought. In its first human trial, the wires retracted from the patient’s brain, reducing the number of electrodes that could measure brain signals. The company managed to restore some functionality by adjusting its algorithm.
The FDA was informed about this issue through animal testing data shared during Neuralink’s application for human trials. The agency continues to monitor patient safety but declined to comment further.
As reported by Reuters, experts suggest that the problem of moving threads is challenging to solve due to the brain’s movement within the skull. Neuralink continues to refine its design, balancing the risks of thread retraction with potential brain tissue damage from anchored wires. Despite these hurdles, the device has allowed the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, to control a computer cursor with his thoughts and perform tasks like playing video games.