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Stentrode is a small stent-mounted electrode array permanently implanted into a blood vessel in the brain, without the need for open brain surgery. It is in clinical trials as a brain–computer interface for people with paralyzed or missing limbs, who will use their neural signals or thoughts to control external devices, which currently include computer operating systems. The device may ultimately be used to control powered exoskeletons, robotic prosthesis, computers or other devices.
The device was conceived by Australian neurologist Thomas Oxley, who has been developing the medical implant since 2010, using sheep for testing. Human trials started in November 2020 with two participants that suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a type of motor neuron disease. The two patients were able to wirelessly control an operating system to text, email, shop, and bank using direct thought through the Stentrode brain-computer interface, marking the first time a brain-computer interface was implanted via the patient's blood vessels, eliminating the need for open brain surgery.
The FDA granted breakthrough designation to the device in August 2020.