In a landmark moment for brain-computer interface (BCI) research and the future of neurorehabilitation, a paralyzed U.S. military veteran has become the first person to receive a Neuralink brain implant at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the University of Miami Health System.
The patient, identified as RJ, sustained a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed. In April, he became the fifth participant globally in Neuralink’s closely watched PRIME Study (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) and the first to undergo the procedure at the University of Miami’s Lois Pope Life Center, home to The Miami Project.
The PRIME Study, authorized as an investigational medical device trial, is evaluating Neuralink’s brain implant, a wireless, high-bandwidth interface designed to enable individuals with paralysis to control external devices, such as computers or smartphones, using only their thoughts.
RJ was discharged from UHealth Tower, the flagship hospital of the University of Miami Health System, just one day after the minimally invasive surgery. Since then, he has been able to operate digital devices with his mind, a milestone he describes as life-changing.
They’re giving me my spark back… my drive back. They’ve given me my purpose back. Now, I’m able to turn around and build that fire for the next guys that come through.
said RJ,the patient.
Miami Enters Global BCI Spotlight
The Miami Project’s involvement marks a significant expansion of Neuralink’s study sites and underscores South Florida’s growing role in cutting-edge neurological research. The collaboration pairs Neuralink’s Silicon Valley engineering with the University of Miami’s decades-long expertise in spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurotrauma care.
We are excited as a team to discover how this device has the potential to change people’s day-to-day lives. As a doctor and researcher, I continue to be encouraged as we learn more about the capabilities and possibilities of this technology.
said Dr. Jonathan Jagid, professor of clinical neurological surgery and site principal investigator.
The Miami surgical team included prominent figures in neurosurgery and rehabilitation:
- Dr. Allan Levi, Chair of Neurological Surgery
- Dr. Michael Ivan, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Dr. Seth Tigchelaar, Neurosurgery Resident
- Dr. W. Dalton Dietrich, Scientific Director of The Miami Project
Neuralink founder Elon Musk visited UHealth Tower to meet with the surgical and research teams following the successful implantation, signaling the significance of Miami’s role in the tech company’s ambitious BCI roadmap.
Putting the latest technology into the hands of experts to break boundaries is what academic medicine is all about. Seeing it benefit a patient so directly is the ultimate reward.
said Dr. Dipen Parekh, CEO of UHealth.
A New Era for Paralysis Research
This milestone coincides with the 40th anniversary of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, founded by Dr. Barth Green and Marc Buoniconti following Buoniconti’s own spinal cord injury. The center has become a global leader in SCI research and treatment.
It is only fitting that we partner with Neuralink to utilize some of the most promising BCI technology in the world to advance that goal.
said Dr. Barth Green, founder of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
For Neuralink, which received FDA clearance for human trials last year, these early patient outcomes are critical. The PRIME Study continues to recruit individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries or ALS who have little or no use of their hands.
We know this collaboration will be another great step forward and hopefully lead to meaningful results for the millions living with paralysis and other significant motor deficits
said Marc Buoniconti, founder of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.