VOICE: An Early Feasibility Study of a Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface for Communication Restoration
Neuralink Corp
Summary
The VOICE Study is an early feasibility study to evaluate the initial clinical safety and efficacy of the N1 and R1 Systems device design concept in providing an ability to communicate. The Neuralink N1 Implant is intended to provide the ability to communicate to individuals with severe and irreversible speech production impairment. It is indicated for adults with neurological conditions of the central speech pathways who have impaired upper limb function. The N1 Implant is a skull-mounted, wireless, rechargeable implant connected to electrode threads that are implanted in the brain by the R1 Robot, a robotic electrode thread inserter.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 22–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: Adults with diagnosis of ALS, PLS, stroke, or Spinal Cord Injury who have severe speech impairment and impaired upper limb function. * Life expectancy ≥ 12 months. * Ability to communicate in English * Presence of a stable caregiver Exclusion Criteria * Moderate to high risk for serious perioperative adverse events * Morbid obesity (Body Mass Index \> 40) * History of poorly controlled seizures or epilepsy * History of poorly controlled diabetes * Requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for any ongoing medical conditions * Acquired or hereditary immunosuppression * Ps…
Interventions
- DeviceN1 Implant
The N1 Implant is a type of implantable brain-computer interface
- DeviceR1 Robot
The R1 Robot is a robotic electrode thread inserter that implants the N1 Implant.
Location
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, Texas