Colorado’s First Implanted Brain Computer Interface Surgery Marks a New Era in Neurological Research - University of Colorado Anschutz News
CU Anschutz and UCHealth are leading the way in advanced care and research for people with neurological diseases and injuries. Neurosurgery experts with the University of Colorado Anschutz performed Colorado's first implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) surgery at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, marking a significant advance for patients with neurological injury or disease. Commonly known as BCIs, the implanted technology can restore lost motor and sensory function by translating brain signals into actions for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative movement disorders.
The 41-year-old UCHealth patient who underwent the groundbreaking surgery was in an accident approximately 10 years ago that paralyzed him from the neck down. Now, the implanted device will record and interpret his brain’s electrical signals, learning the relationship between the brain’s activity and his intended behavior. This will allow him to regain function and independence through external devices like controlling a robotic arm and using a computer. The research team will also stimulate sensory areas of his brain to restore sensation, aiming to help the patient feel his hand again for the first time since his injury.
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