Overview of implantable neural prostheses. Credit: The Lancet Digital Health (2025). Doi: 10.1016/s2589-7500 (24) 00222-x
In a viewpoint paper recently Published in the journey The Lancet Digital HealthA TEAM LED by Stanisa raspopovic from Meduni Vienna Looks at the Progress and Challenges in the Research and Development of Brain Implants.
New achievements in the field of this technology are seen as a source of hope for many patients with neurological disorders and have been making headlines recently. As neural implants have an effect not only on a physical but also a psychological level, Researchers are called for Particular Ethical and Scientific Care CON CON CON CON CON CON CONDUCALICAL
The research and development of neuroprostses have entered a phase in which experiences on animal models are being followed by tests on humans. Only recently, reports of a paraplegic patient in the us who was implanted with a brain chip as part of a clinical trial caused a stir.
With the help of the implant, the man can control his wheelchair, operate the keyboard on his computer and use the cursor in such a way that he can even play chess. About a month after the implantation, however, the patient realized that precision of the cursor control was decision and the time between his thoughts and the Computer Actions was delayed.
“The Problem Could Be Partialy, But Not Completely, Resolved –and Illustrates Just One of the Potential Challenges for Research Into This Technology,” Explains Study Author Rasopovic from Er for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Who Published the Paper Togeether with Marcello IENCA (Technical University of Munich) and GiComo Valle (Eth Zurich).
“The questions of who will take care of the technical maintenance after the study and whether the device will still be available to the patient at all after ects that need to be Clarified in Advance in Neuroprosthesis Research and Development, which is predominantly industry-line. “

A research ethics framework for clinical trials on implantable neural interfaces. Credit: The Lancet Digital Health (2025). Doi: 10.1016/s2589-7500 (24) 00222-x
Protection of highly sensitive data
Neuroprostheses Establish a Direct Connection Between the Nervous System and External Devices and Are Considered A Promising Approach in the treatment of neurologal impairments such as paraplegia, chronic Disease and epilepsy. The implants can restore mobileity, alleviate pain or improve sensory functions. However, as they form an interface to the human nervous system, they also have an effect on a psychological level.
“They can influence consciousness, cognition and affected states and even free will. This means that conventional approacles to Safeety and Efficiency Assessment, Such as thought in Clinical Drug Trials, Le for research these complex systems. evaluate the Subjective Patient Experience and Protect the Psychological Privacy of the Test Subjects, “RASPOPOVIC POINTS OUT.
The special technological features of neuroimplants, in particular the ability to collect and process neuronal data, Pose Further Challenges for Clinical Validation and Educal Oversight. Neural data is Considered particularly sensitive and requires an even higher level of protection than other health information. Unsecured data transmission, inadequate data protect guidelines and the risk of hacker attacks are just some of the potential vulnerabilites that require special procures in this context.
“The use of neural implants cannot be reduced to medical shows,” Summarizes raspopovic. “We are only in the initial phase of clinical studies on these technological innovations. Er Problems Have Arisen in Test Subjects or Patients. “
More information:
Marcello IENCA et al, Clinical Trials for Implantable Neural Prostheses: Understanding the Ethical and Technical Requirements, The Lancet Digital Health (2025). Doi: 10.1016/s2589-7500 (24) 00222-x
Citation: Experts Discuss Progress and Challenges in Brain Implants, Urge Special Ethical and Scientific Care (2025, January 24) Retrieved 25 January 2025 from
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