China has officially approved the launch of a brain-computer interface (BCI) system that helps restore hand movement ability, marking the first successful approval of a BCI device for commercial use. Developed by Borui Kang Medical Technology, the device aims to restore movement and communication to individuals affected by various types of paralysis.
Tackling Paralysis: Who Can Use the New Borui Kang BCI?
This mission aims to take patients dealing with quadriplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injuries and help them regain their hand gripping ability via a robotic glove. The product is an invasive BCI system, which means that electrodes are inserted directly into the brain rather than on its surface.
The device uses minimally invasive extradural implantation and uses wireless technology. In this regard, the National Medical Products Administration stated that BCI products have been made a top priority, adding that the sector has been designated as a “future industry” in Beijing’s five-year plan announced last week. To qualify for the product, patients must be between 18 and 60 years old and suffer from a specific type of spinal cord injury.
Patients must be at least one year old and in stable condition for the past six months. In addition, they should not be able to grasp with their hands while still maintaining some function of the upper arm. Clinical studies have shown that while significant improvements are still needed to achieve optimal results, the observed gains will contribute to successfully improving the patient’s quality of life.
