In a remarkable medical achievement, Chinese scientists and surgeons have successfully performed the fourth brain-spine interface (BSI) surgery, enabling a paralyzed patient to stand and walk within just 24 hours post-surgery. This groundbreaking procedure was carried out at Shanghai's Zhongshan Hospital and marks the world's first instance where an individual with total paraplegia regained the ability to walk through BSI technology.
The patient, known as Lin, is a 34-year-old from Guangdong Province in southern China. Two years ago, Lin suffered severe spinal injuries and a brain hemorrhage after falling from a 4-meter-high staircase. Despite extensive treatments, his legs remained completely paralyzed, confining him to a wheelchair.
In January 2025, Lin became the first participant in a clinical trial for the innovative BSI technology, a collaborative effort between Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan University's Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence. Led by Professors Wang Xin and Ding Jing from Zhongshan Hospital, alongside Jia Fumin from Fudan University, the team focused on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of epidural electrical stimulation (EES) in restoring motor function for spinal cord injury patients.
Professor Jia's team developed a revolutionary \"three-in-one\" BSI technology that creates a neural bridge between the brain and spinal cord. This minimally invasive surgery involves implanting two tiny electrode chips into the brain's motor cortex, allowing the system to collect and decode brain signals. These signals are then translated into targeted electrical stimulation delivered to specific nerve roots, effectively re-establishing communication between the brain and the limbs.
Thanks to advancements in algorithm design, the team overcame significant challenges related to the limited number of electrodes and the need for real-time decoding of movement intentions. \"If a patient wants to lift their leg and the algorithm misses the cue or delays the response, it could lead to a fall,\" explained Professor Jia. After nearly three years of relentless research, the team successfully enabled real-time decoding, allowing Lin to regain leg movement within 24 hours with the help of artificial intelligence.
Since January, the team has performed three clinical surgeries, with all patients regaining the ability to control their legs and walk within two weeks. \"The outcomes exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the feasibility of next-generation BSI solutions. Completing four surgeries across two hospitals shows that this technology is both replicable and scalable. This isn't just a technological victory—it's the dawn of a new life for paralyzed patients,\" said Jia.
Looking ahead, the team aims to further refine the BSI technology to help more spinal injury patients regain mobility, bringing hope to millions of individuals and their families around the globe. 🌟
Reference(s):
China conducts 4th brain-spine interface surgery on paralyzed patients
cgtn.com
