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The most recent and futuristic invention of the technology company "Synchron"
Synchron is the name given to the leading technology company with a forward-thinking, innovative goal. Recently, they have been the pioneers in developing a non-invasive implant for the brain that connects to a computer.
In this way, it revolutionizes not only the technological field, but medicine in general.
All the details to know about the company
Within the biotechnology field, not many companies stand out at the aforementioned level.
It is located at strategic points worldwide, with offices in New York and facilities for research and experimentation in Australia.
Its vision and goal is to provide a one-of-a-kind technology component. It is a non-invasive brain implant designed to recover human functions damaged by neurological diseases.
In this way, they exponentially improve the quality of life of some patients, or at least make it more bearable. They even offer an alternative path to open brain surgeries and other invasive surgical techniques.
Key factors that characterize Synchron
1. The product offered to the public has the name "Stentrode" with dimensions and materials suitable for placement.
With respect to him, it is inserted by means of an accurate procedure in the jugular vein. Following this path, you will come into contact with the sagittal sinus of the brain, an essential area for human motility.
2. Only in 2020 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) granted the title of innovator to the device, with a view to a possible approval. A year later, during 2021, the same body gave the power to the company to start its clinical trials.
3. Both the US and Australian governments have been closely involved in the project. Thanks to this, important financing such as that by Khosla Ventures has been promoted, around 70 million dollars.
4. Synchron's headquarters are strategically located in Brooklyn within New York State. As well as in Melbourne, in the Australian country where specifically the research programs and projects are carried out.
Stentrode, the new and majestic non-invasive brain implant
Technically it is defined as a neuroprosthesis whose elementary function is to allow certain lost human functions.
Its main objective is to attack the population of patients with severe muscular paralysis due to neurological and motor diseases.
The implant is placed by non-invasive methods unlike conventional neurosurgery. The brain prosthesis works in conjunction with remote digital devices that carry out different functions with thought.
Structurally, it is characterized by having a basic design, but totally efficient in terms of functionality. In general terms, it is divided into 3 parts that base its technical development:
Node or main node
The Stentrode itself is inserted in the motor cerebral cortex, specifically in the sagittal sinus of the brain.
She is in charge of generating the neural signals that serve as the starting point for the movements and motor actions of the body.
The device's job is to pick up those signals and then link them to its next components.
Transmitter
It is a special artifact to capture neuronal signals produced from the motor cortex. Its role, as its name implies, is to serve as a link or as a kind of axon with the encoder or final component.
Decoder
The axon and decoder make up the outer unit of the neuroimplant. It interprets the received signals to later transform them into usable information.
The data obtained are digital commands that are transmitted via wireless or Bluetooth connection to other devices. In this way, an action is executed without depending on organic neural pathways.
Philip O'Keefe, first patient with a successful outcome
Philip O'Keefe is the name of the first patient who has achieved a successful result after the use of neuroimplantation. He is a man over 60 years of age with a diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
ALS is a disease that directly affects the main cells of the nervous system, the neurons. Without them, the general motor component of the human body cannot function normally.
Consequently, a progressive disability is entered that can end up being fatal for the individual.
O'Keefe was able to “tweet” thanks to the Synchron implant
The 60-year-old has clarified that learning to use the Stentrode was a challenge, compared to the fact of the first times on the bike.
However, after being in therapy since 2020 being included in Synchron's clinical trials program, he achieved what was expected.
O'Keefe was able to tweet solely with his thought and the hand of the Stentrode. In essence, it is a highly positive first experience in favor of moving towards a more open future against this type of disease.
Among other statements from the patient, it hints at how magnificent this biotechnology has been for his life.
The impact of having ALS was not easy for him and his family to cope with.
“Its great technology and from the moment I heard it, I knew that it could give me back that independence from before. His system is fantastic, although it requires training and learning from it. But, once you do, you can do everything I do now. Sending emails, banking, tweeting and more, everything is possible thanks to Stentrode”. — O'Keefe concluded.
What was the first tweet generated through Stentrode?
There is no doubt that Philip O'Keefe has seized this new opportunity, reconnecting with the world and his family. Step by step, carry out daily activities like those mentioned above, redeeming that feeling of independence.
Through the account of the CEO of the company, Thomas Oxley, O'Keefe gave a greeting to the followers of the businessman. "Hello world" were some of the initial words that testified to the effective operation of Stentrode.
In final remarks, O'Keefe welcomed the opportunity to try something else for his health. Likewise, he concluded by arguing that it is the definitive way to carry out activities with thought.
