Jiangsu opens its first brain-computer interface ward in Nanjing, using semi-invasive tech to help high-level paraplegic patients regain independence
Jiangsu province has launched its first dedicated brain-computer interface (BCI) ward at the General Hospital of the Eastern Theater Command in Nanjing. According to a November 13 report from Nanjing Daily, the facility is the first of its kind in the region and has already completed a clinical trial using a semi-invasive BCI system.The initial focus is on patients with high-level paraplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injuries. In the future, the program aims to expand to individuals affected by stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and Parkinson's disease.
The surgical procedure uses a domestically developed semi-embedded BCI device that offers a significant safety advantage over systems like Elon Musk's Neuralink. While Neuralink requires electrodes to be inserted directly into brain tissue, this Chinese device is placed entirely outside the dura mater-the brain's protective membrane-reducing the risk of infection, bleeding, and tissue damage.
Three months after surgery, the patient involved in the trial showed marked improvement in right-hand function. The long-term goal is to eliminate reliance on external assistive devices and enable patients to perform daily tasks independently, such as drinking water, eating, and dressing.
Medical staff reported that the patient was able to grasp a bottle of mineral water using pneumatic gloves and even pick up wooden blocks with bare hands. These results suggest that the BCI system is helping to rewire brain function, marking a critical step toward restoring self-care capabilities.
The General Hospital of the Eastern Theater Command is a major military medical institution in China, known for its advanced neurosurgical research. The brain-computer interface ward represents a collaboration between clinical medicine and domestic BCI technology developers to advance neurorehabilitation solutions.
