Brain Implant for Neural Control of a Computer

Brain Implant for Neural Control of a Computer

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01958086

UCLA IRB #: 13-000576

Sponsor: Richard A. Andersen, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation

Time Frame: One year after array implantation

Open to Accrual – currently recruiting

Purpose: The investigators objective is to run human clinical trials in which brain activity recorded through a "brain-chip" implanted in the human brain can be used to provide novel communication capabilities to severely paralyzed individuals by allowing direct brain-control of a computer interface. A prospective, longitudinal, single-arm early feasibility study will be used to examine the safety and effectiveness of using a neural communication system to control a simple computer interface and a tablet computer. Initial brain control training will occur in simplified computer environments, however, the ultimate objective of the clinical trial is to allow the human patient autonomous control over the Google Android tablet operating system. Tablet computers offer a balance of ease of use and functionality that should facilitate fusion with the BMI. The tablet interface could potentially allow the patient population to make a phone call, manage personal finances, watch movies, paint pictures, play videogames, program applications, and interact with a variety of "smart" devices such as televisions, kitchen appliances, and perhaps in time, devices such as robotic limbs and smart cars. Brain control of tablet computers has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of severely paralyzed individuals. Two subjects will be enrolled, each implanted with the NCS for a period of 53 weeks. The study is expected to take two years in total.

Principal Investigator: Ausaf Bari, MD, PhD

Contact: Meg Bradley

Phone: (310) 794-3452

Email: [email protected]