China's First Ultra-High-Channel Implantable Flexible Brain-Computer Interface Successfully Implanted at Jilin University China-Japan Union Hospital

(Source: China Jilin Network)

Source: China Jilin Network

On October 22, reporters learned from China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University that the neurosurgery team of Gao Yufei and Zhang Jinan collaborated with Beijing Bciflex Medical Technology Co., Ltd. to successfully complete the first clinical implantation surgery of an over 100-channel invasive flexible brain-computer interface in China.

It is reported that in the hospital's digital integrated operating room, the team of Gao Yufei and Zhang Jinnan utilized intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurosurgical procedures.Robotand other cutting-edge equipment, a wireless signal acquisition system (invasive brain-computer interface) was precisely implanted into a 52-year-old patient with glioma in the functional area of the brain. This milestone achievement not only brings hope for the patient's recoveryNew Hope, which marks a crucial step forward in China's exploration of the mysteries of the brain, providing new solutions for global brain science research.

In addition, during the surgery, the team used an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging system to accurately identify functional areas of the cerebral cortex. Guided by a neurosurgical robot, they precisely implanted high-throughput flexible electrodes into the cerebral cortex with an error margin of less than 0.5 millimeters. Meanwhile, an advanced neurosurgical visualization system provided full 4K ultra-high-definition magnified image monitoring throughout the procedure, effectively avoiding intracranial structures, including capillaries, ensuring surgical safety. After the patient regained consciousness from anesthesia, they reported feeling well, with no discomfort or new neurological symptoms.

The 128-channel invasive brain-computer interface implanted this time is a globally leading new-generation flexible brain-computer interface independently developed in China with independent intellectual property rights. It can achieve high-throughput single-cell action potential acquisition.

This is also the first time that the product has been applied clinically, successfully collecting a large number of single-cell action potentials from the motor cortex. The successful clinical application of this technology also marks that brain-computer interface research in China has successfully overcome the "bottleneck" technology in this field.

Brain-computer interface technology, as a cutting-edge science that enables direct two-way interaction between the brain and external devices, has achieved remarkable success in areas such as motor function reconstruction for disabled individuals, barrier-free human-computer interaction, and the integration of biological and artificial intelligence. Among these, the invasive high-throughput flexible brain-computer interface is hailed as "the jewel in the crown" of brain and brain-like research.

In January 2024, Musk's Neuralink completed the world's first long-term human brain implant with the N1 product, a technology that has been monopolized by foreign countries for a long time, becoming a "bottleneck" problem for brain science research in China.

The domestically produced fully implantable wireless signal acquisition system applied this time is a globally leading product with complete independent intellectual property rights: the flexible electrode is as thin as a fraction of a hair, soft like cotton, yet capable of achieving single-cell level brain electrical signal acquisition through over a hundred channels; a coin-sized wireless module implanted under the scalp can transmit signals; combined with a self-developed large-model AI analysis system, it forms a complete brain-computer interface ecosystem.

Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Brain Diseases, the Department of Neurosurgery at China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, and Beijing Bciflex Medical Technology Co., Ltd. have successfully achieved the clinical implantation of a self-developed high-throughput flexible brain-computer interface system through long-term collaboration.

The successful clinical application of this high-throughput invasive flexible brain-computer interface marks that brain-computer interface research in China has entered the world's leading ranks, providing strong support for breakthroughs in core technologies and seizing the strategic high ground in the future intelligent era.

China Jilin Network, Jike News Reporter Fan Sisi

Image source: Jida Third Hospital

First Review: Dong Lei

Review: Sun Xiaoyun

Final Review: Zhang Yanmei

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