The University of Michigan Health has opened one of the first brain-computer interface (BCI) clinics in the United States, aimed at patients suffering from severe motor and speech impairments. Officially launched on December 16, 2023, this clinic in Ann Arbor will provide multidisciplinary care, offering patients access to advanced technology and clinical trials.
Dr. Matthew Willsey, a professor of neurosurgery and biomedical engineering at the university and the clinic’s lead, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach. “We aim to bring together a multidisciplinary set of clinicians who can cater to patients’ needs, inform them about available technology, and guide them towards eligible clinical trials,” he stated.
BCI technology has made significant strides over the past two decades, transitioning from academic research to commercial applications. Willsey noted, “We’re at a point in the field where probably in the next five to ten years, these devices will be available.” The clinic will focus primarily on implantable devices that connect with the nervous system, offering new hope for patients in Michigan and beyond.
Once a patient is evaluated, they will receive information regarding potential implantable devices or clinical trials for which they may qualify. Currently, appointments require referrals from primary care physicians, ensuring that patients receive appropriate guidance and care.
Dr. Aditya Pandey, chair of the neurosurgery department at the University of Michigan, highlighted the fast-paced nature of BCI research. In a press release dated December 17, 2023, he mentioned, “Research into implantable BCIs is accelerating at breakneck speed. Our teams will ensure that patients are given as much detail as possible about the potential to receive recently approved neural interfaces, like vagus nerve stimulators, and participate in cutting-edge clinical trials.”
In a noteworthy achievement, Willsey led the first human recording from a new wireless BCI during a temporal lobectomy for epilepsy earlier this year. He is also the principal investigator for an upcoming clinical study involving a device developed by Paradromics Inc., which recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The launch of this clinic signifies a crucial step in making advanced BCI technology more accessible to patients with functional deficits. Willsey expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We’re looking forward to bringing this technology to people in the area so that they have access to some of the latest options in implantable devices that can aid in rehabilitation or potentially restore function.”
As the clinic opens its doors, patients in Ann Arbor and the surrounding region stand to benefit from the latest advancements in brain-computer interface technology, marking a significant development in the field of neurosurgery and rehabilitation.
