The series on Innovative Advances in Healthcare Technology aims to highlight organizations that are pioneering, scaling, and investing in groundbreaking healthcare solutions. This article marks the first installment of an eight-part series.
Precision Neuroscience is at the forefront of developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) designed to empower individuals with neurological disorders—such as stroke, ALS, and spinal cord injuries—to operate computers and smart devices solely through their thoughts.
In an insightful conversation, Jayme Strauss, the Chief Commercial and Clinical Officer at Precision Neuroscience, elaborated on their minimally invasive BCI technology, known as the Layer 7 Cortical Interface. This innovative device rests gently on the brain’s surface without penetrating its delicate tissues.
Innovative Technology Overview:
Jayme Strauss: Our primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by neurological challenges. We aim to restore autonomy and independence, enabling individuals to reconnect with their families and communities. The BCI technology offers hope for those who have long been isolated from the world, allowing them to engage in activities like playing video games, communicating, and even returning to work—experiences that were previously unattainable.
Understanding the Layer 7 Cortical Interface:
Strauss: The Layer 7 Cortical Interface is a sophisticated array composed of a thin film microelectrode, approximately one-fifth the thickness of a human hair, designed to conform to the brain’s surface. Unlike traditional electrode arrays that penetrate brain tissue, our device remains non-invasive, allowing for flexibility in placement and the ability to reposition it as needed. This is crucial for targeting specific areas of the brain, particularly the motor cortex, without causing damage.
Our technology is designed to be removable and reversible, which is a significant advantage over other devices that, once implanted, cannot be easily adjusted or replaced without risking damage to the brain.
The permanent implant consists of a subgaleal interface that sits between the skull and scalp, housing essential electronics and decoding mechanisms. Data collected from the brain’s 1,024 channels is transmitted to this interface, processed, and then sent to a battery and transmitter located in the chest area, enabling seamless interaction with computers and assistive technologies.
By positioning our device directly on the cortical surface, we achieve superior data resolution and bandwidth compared to existing technologies. Our system has already been implanted in 39 patients across various leading medical centers, and surgeons have expressed amazement at witnessing real-time brain activity for the first time.
Real-Time Neural Data Collection:
We can capture neural data in real-time with high precision. In our studies, we have demonstrated the ability to decode approximately three minutes of data to train models that predict intent—such as the desire to move a hand or control a joystick—with an accuracy exceeding 90%.
Future Capabilities:
Strauss: Our fully implantable system is designed to enable individuals to control computers in real-time, allowing them to create presentations, respond to emails, and manage smart home devices using only their thoughts. The current FDA approval process focuses on the electrode array, which is the most critical component interfacing with brain tissue.
Patient Experiences and Research Expansion:
The 39 patients who have received our device have participated in investigator-initiated studies, where we gather neural data during neurosurgical procedures. With the recent FDA approval, we can now keep the device implanted for up to 30 days, allowing for extensive data collection and deeper insights into brain function.
Comparative Analysis with Competitors:
Our primary competitor employs a different approach, utilizing penetrating threads that require robotic implantation. In contrast, our device is minimally invasive, allowing for easier placement through a small burr hole, which significantly reduces the risks associated with traditional surgical methods.
Vision for the Future:
Strauss: Our ultimate goal is to reach as many patients as possible who could benefit from this technology. Founded by a practicing neurosurgeon, our company is dedicated to clinical applications that assist individuals with ALS, spinal cord injuries, and strokes in regaining their independence and reintegrating into society. This commitment remains our primary focus as we move forward.