Mind-controlled devices: tiny brain chip tested in paralysis patients

NCT ID NCT03161067

First seen Nov 01, 2025

Summary

This early study tests a brain implant called BiCNS in 5 people with tetraplegia (paralysis from the neck down). The implant records brain signals and may allow users to control assistive devices like a robotic arm. The main goal is safety—making sure the device stays in place without causing harm over 52 weeks.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Department of Neurology

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Bidirectional Cortical Neuroprosthetic System (BiCNS) - a brain implant

What this could lead to

If it works, this could help people with paralysis control assistive devices like robotic arms using only their thoughts.

What could go wrong

This is a very early feasibility study with only 5 people. The device may not work well, and there are risks like infection or the need to remove the implant.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

quadriplegia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.