A Chinese-led research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology: a successful clinical trial on the precise localization of deep-seated brain tumor boundaries using implanted microelectrode arrays. The trial was jointly conducted by researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the First Affiliated Hospital at Harbin Medical University on a patient with glioma.
Before surgery, the patient experienced frequent language confusion due to compression from the brain tumor. After the procedure, the patient's speech became clear and fluent, significantly improving the quality of life.
The technology implemented during the surgery provides a real-time, high-precision navigation guide for lesion localization, promising to enable accurate tumor resection while maximizing protection of healthy brain tissue. It is expected to improve postoperative neurological function retention.
This clinical trial is the first of its kind globally. It utilized the clinically applicable BCI micro-electrode "NeuroDepth," which was independently developed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute.
"It has broken through the limitation of traditional neural electrodes, which could only detect signals from cortical based tumors. Our electrodes can capture neural signals across the entire brain -- from the cortex to subcortical regions and even deep brain structures. They are capable of not only detecting neuro-electrophysiological signals but also monitoring neurotransmitter signals, providing more precise information," said Wang Mixia, an associate researcher of the Aerospace Information Research Institute.
Brain tumors such as gliomas and brain metastasis are characterized by high incidence, high mortality, and high recurrence rates. Their infiltrative growth patterns often result in blurred boundaries between tumor tissue and healthy brain tissue, making accurately defining the tumor margin crucial for surgical resection and radiotherapy planning.
Therefore, the successful application of NeuroDepth offers hope for curing these diseases.
The research team stated that they will further expand the application areas of this technology in collaboration with medical institutions. Plans are underway to advance high-precision BCI technology for helping patients who are blind or deaf regain sensory perception.
"On another front, we also have a plan to integrate vascular interventional technologies to develop endovascular brain-computer interfaces. This initiative will focus on researching the recovery of motor functions in paralyzed patients," said Wang.
China's brain-computer interface technology makes breakthrough in brain tumor localization
