China is testing a brain-computer interface that can reach the brain through neck blood vessels, potentially avoiding skull-opening surgery and cutting implant time to about 10 minutes.

China is developing an experimental brain-computer interface that could potentially be placed in the brain without opening the skull. Instead of conventional neurosurgery, researchers are testing a technique that uses blood vessels in the neck as a pathway to guide the implant toward a targeted area of the brain.

Shanghai-based StairMed Technology is developing the system with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The device would be inserted into a blood vessel and carefully moved through the vascular system before being positioned near the required part of the brain.

Researchers believe this method could eventually make brain-computer interface procedures faster and less invasive. However, the technology remains experimental and has not yet become an approved medical treatment.

Key points:

• The implant could reach the brain through blood vessels in the neck.
• The technique may avoid opening the skull.
• StairMed Technology is developing the experimental system.
• Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences are involved.
• Initial testing has reportedly been conducted on sheep.
• Human trials for StairMed's specific system have not yet started.
• The reported 10-minute implantation time remains an experimental goal.

Traditional implanted brain-computer interfaces usually require surgeons to open the skull and place electrodes directly on or inside the brain. The new approach attempts to use the body's natural vascular network instead.

A catheter-like system could be inserted through a blood vessel in the neck and guided toward blood vessels close to the brain. Once the device reaches the targeted location, it could potentially detect electrical signals from nearby brain tissue.

Doctors involved in related research have suggested that experienced surgeons could position such devices in around 10 minutes. Researchers are also examining whether certain implants can be removed after implantation if necessary.

Key advantages being studied:

• Less invasive than conventional open-skull surgery
• Potentially shorter implantation procedure
• Reduced direct contact with brain tissue
• Possible easier removal of the device
• Use of existing blood vessels to reach the brain
• Potential reduction in recovery time

Brain-computer interfaces are designed to translate electrical signals produced by the brain into commands that computers and electronic devices can understand.

For people living with severe paralysis, this technology could potentially allow them to communicate, operate computers, control assistive equipment or perform digital tasks using their thoughts.

StairMed has previously demonstrated another surgically implanted BCI system in which a patient reportedly used brain signals to perform online customer-service work. Such experiments illustrate the wider goal of helping people with limited mobility regain independence.

Possible future uses include:

• Controlling computers through brain signals
• Typing or communicating without physical movement
• Operating robotic or assistive devices
• Helping people with severe paralysis
• Supporting greater independence in daily activities
• Performing certain digital jobs remotely

Despite the potential benefits, vascular brain implants still face important medical and technical challenges. Researchers need to determine whether the devices can remain stable inside blood vessels and continue recording useful brain signals for long periods.

Possible complications such as blood clots, damage to blood vessels, infection or movement of the device will need to be carefully evaluated in clinical trials.

China is increasing investment in neurotechnology and aims to develop globally competitive brain-computer interface companies. StairMed has reportedly attracted major funding, while other research institutions in China are conducting related human studies.

The vascular approach is also being explored outside China. US-based Synchron has developed a brain-computer interface delivered through the jugular vein and has tested the technology in patients.

Key challenges ahead:

• Proving long-term safety in humans
• Preventing blood clots and vascular complications
• Keeping the implant securely positioned
• Recording reliable brain signals
• Demonstrating clear benefits for patients
• Completing larger human clinical trials
• Meeting regulatory standards before widespread medical use

While the idea of a 10-minute brain implant without opening the skull could represent an important advance in neurotechnology, researchers still need extensive human evidence before such systems can become routine medical treatments.