Neuralink Completes First-Ever Brain-Computer Interface Implant Surgeries Outside the U.S. in Canada

IT Home, September 7 – Late last year, Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company under Elon Musk, announced that it had received approval from Health Canada to launch its first CAN-PRIME clinical trial in Canada, and subsequently opened participant recruitment to Canadian residents.

The University Health Network (UHN) confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that Neuralink had completed two surgeries at UHN on August 27 and September 3.

UHN is Canada’s largest research hospital and one of the world’s leading centers for surgical innovation. UHN also stated that this procedure was the first Neuralink surgery performed outside the United States.

Both subjects are male and around 30 years of age; one is from Ontario and the other from Alberta. They underwent robotic surgery to implant Neuralink’s brain-computer interface devices. ITHome has learned that this trial is part of the “CAN-PRIME Study” project.

The study focuses on simultaneously testing the implantable device and the surgical robot, assessing their safety, and verifying whether paralyzed patients can control external devices through thought. As designed, participants may learn to operate a cursor, send text messages, or control a robotic arm.

Dr. Thomas Forbes, Surgical Director of the University Health Network, stated, “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this revolutionary advancement in neurosurgery.”

The Canadian surgical team for this procedure was led by Dr. Andres Lozano, who holds the Alan and Susan Hudson Cornerstone Chair in Neurosurgery at the hospital.

Lozano stated, “This milestone represents the convergence of neuroscience, engineering, and clinical medicine.” He added, “The first Canadian patients who voluntarily underwent the surgery are remarkable individuals making significant contributions to advancing science and medical progress.”

The CAN-PRIME study is currently still recruiting participants, including those with cervical spinal cord injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Participants are required to attend regular follow-up visits and engage in study procedures to learn how to use the implanted device.

For patients, such technology could bring about significant changes. The implanted devices are designed to help restore partial control over daily activities, such as enabling individuals with quadriplegia to check emails, use social media, or operate smart home devices. Although these tasks are routine for most people, they can substantially improve the quality of life for paralyzed patients.