Neuralink's 9.5 BPS: Overcoming Brain Implant Challenges

The video discusses the challenges faced during Neuralink trials and the solutions implemented to overcome them.
However, the journey hasn't been without challenges. In the weeks following the implant, approximately 85 percent of the electrode threads retracted from Nolan's brain tissue, essentially cutting off some of the communication between the brain and the implant. Several factors contributed to this issue. One primary cause was the presence of air pockets inside the skull, often referred to as pneumocephalus. These air bubbles can form as a result of the surgical procedure. Neuralink believes that an air pocket moved from the front of the brain to underneath their implant site, which pushed the brain away from the implant and tightened the threads. Combined with a greater movement of the brain than expected, most of the electrodes were dislodged from Nolan's cortex. Neuralink addressed these challenges by refining their algorithms to optimize the remaining functional electrodes. Nolan's performance improved, and he has continued to use the device effectively.