In a groundbreaking medical milestone, two patients at a Toronto hospital have become the very first Canadians to receive Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip, marking a historic first for the country.

The University Health Network (UHN) announced this monumental news in a press release, revealing that these pioneering surgeries took place on August 27 and September 3 at Toronto Western Hospital, making it the first facility in Canada to successfully perform this advanced procedure.

Moreover, these operations represent the inaugural Neuralink surgeries conducted outside the United States, showcasing Canada’s burgeoning role in cutting-edge neurosurgery.

Revolutionizing Neurosurgery: The Vision Behind Neuralink

These procedures are part of the Canadian Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface Study, a clinical trial focused on assessing the safety and effectiveness of Neuralink’s novel implant and its surgical robotic system.

Musk, known as the world’s richest man, co-founded Neuralink in 2016 with the mission of bridging the gap between the human brain and technology.

Dr. Thomas Forbes, UHN's surgeon-in-chief, expressed pride in leading such a transformative advancement in neurosurgery, emphasizing the team's dedication to pioneering innovative and effective treatments.

Hope For the Future: Empowering Patients

This groundbreaking trial, which commenced in November, aims to empower individuals with quadriplegia to control external devices solely through their thoughts. UHN is actively recruiting eligible candidates, particularly those with limited or no use of both hands due to conditions like cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The two Canadian patients, both of whom have endured cervical spinal cord injuries, are set to participate in follow-up appointments and research sessions as they adapt to their new Neuralink devices.

Innovative Technology: Brain-Computer Interface Explained

Dr. Andres Lozano, a leading neurosurgeon at UHN, praised the bravery of the patients who volunteered for such a pivotal role in advancing science and healthcare.

The Neuralink implant features a transmitter linked to ultra-fine "threads" that capture neural activity. Because these threads are so delicate, a robotic system is used for implantation. Once placed in the brain, the implant wirelessly transmits electrical signals to the Neuralink Application, converting brain activity into actions, such as moving a cursor on a screen.

Using sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning, this technology is capable of interpreting thoughts and intentions.

The Future Awaits: What's Next for Neuralink?

In January 2024, Neuralink made headlines again when it performed its first human brain implant, joining other innovators in exploring the vast potential of brain-computer interfaces to address numerous medical challenges, from restoring vision to enabling interaction between disabled individuals and their devices.

As Canada steps boldly into the future of neurotechnology, the world watches with anticipation for the transformative effects of Neuralink's innovations.