Clinical Research Directory

iBCI Optimization for Veterans With Paralysis

VA research has been advancing a high-performance brain-computer interface (BCI) to improve independence for Veterans and others living with tetraplegia or the inability to speak resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury or stoke. In this project, the investigators enhance deep learning neural network decoders and multi-state gesture decoding for increased accuracy and reliability and deploy them on a battery-powered mobile BCI device for independent use of computers and touch-enabled mobile devices at home. The accuracy and usability of the mobile iBCI will be evaluated with participants already enrolled separately in the investigational clinical trial of the BrainGate neural interface.

Feasibility of the BrainGate2 Neural Interface System in Persons With Tetraplegia (BG-Speech-02)

The goal of this study is to improve our understanding of speech production, and to translate this into medical devices called intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) that will enable people who have lost the ability to speak fluently to communicate via a computer just by trying to speak.

Investigation on the Cortical Communication System

The goal of this clinical trial is to demonstrate communication through a brain implant in people in locked-in state, i.e. people with severe paralysis and communication problems. The main questions it aims to answer are efficient and stable control of Brain-Computer interface (BCI) functions for communication with attempted hand movements and operation of a keyword-based speech BCI. Participants will be implanted with four electrode grids, with in total 128 electrodes, on the surface of the brain and a connector on the skull. Participation includes visits of researchers for recording and training at home, 2-3 times per week for one year. Extension of participation after one year is possible. If successful, the participant will be able to use the BCI at home independently, without the presence of a researcher.

Investigation on the Cortical Communication (CortiCom) System

The CortiCom system consists of 510(k)-cleared components: platinum PMT subdural cortical electrode grids, a Blackrock Microsystems patient pedestal, and an external NeuroPort Neural Signal Processor. Up to two grids will be implanted in the brain, for a total channel count of up to 128 channels, for six months. In each participant, the grid(s) will be implanted over areas of cortex that encode speech and upper extremity movement.