Current Challenges Facing the Translation of Brain Computer Interfaces from Preclinical Trials to Use in Human Patients

• Published in: Frontiers in cellular neuroscience Vol. 9; p. 497
• Main Authors: Murphy, Maxwell D., Guggenmos, David J., Bundy, David T., Nudo, Randolph J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Research Foundation 06.01.2016; Frontiers Media S.A
• Subjects: Accuracy; Brain; brain-computer interface (BCI); Clinical trials; closed-loop neuro-prosthetics devices; Computer applications; Control algorithms; electrocorticography (ECoG); Electrodes; Electroencephalography; Electroencephalography (EEG); Implants; Injuries; Interfaces; Invasiveness; Microelectrodes; Nervous system; Neural Prostheses; Neuroscience; Prostheses; Translation; United States > US; Kansas City Missouri; electroencephalography (EEG); electrocorticography (ECoG); closed-loop neuroprosthetic devices; microelectrodes; brain-computer interface (BCI); neural prostheses
• ISSN: 1662-5102; 1662-5102
• DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00497

Current research in brain computer interface (BCI) technology is advancing beyond preclinical studies, with trials beginning in human patients. To date, these trials have been carried out with several different types of recording interfaces. The success of these devices has varied widely, but different factors such as the level of invasiveness, timescale of recorded information, and ability to maintain stable functionality of the device over a long period of time all must be considered in addition to accuracy in decoding intent when assessing the most practical type of device moving forward. Here, we discuss various approaches to BCIs, distinguishing between devices focusing on control of operations extrinsic to the subject (e.g., prosthetic limbs, computer cursors) and those focusing on control of operations intrinsic to the brain (e.g., using stimulation or external feedback), including closed-loop or adaptive devices. In this discussion, we consider the current challenges facing the translation of various types of BCI technology to eventual human application.