Synchron Inc. is a medical technology company developing the Stentrode, a minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that records neural activity from within the blood vessel of the motor [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex). Founded in 2012, Synchron is pioneering an endovascular approach to neural recording that combines the benefits of invasive recording with reduced surgical risk[@oxley2021].
The Stentrode represents a breakthrough in BCI technology by avoiding the need for open brain surgery while still providing high-quality neural signals from the motor cortex.
Technology Overview
The Stentrode
The Stentrode is a platinum-iridium electrode array mounted on a nitinol self-expanding stent. Key features include:
Size: 8 cm flexible mesh with 16 electrode contacts distributed along its length
Implantation: Minimally invasive procedure via the jugular vein, reaching the motor cortex through the blood vessel
Recording: Records neural signals from the motor cortex with high fidelity
Power: Wireless transmission to external receiver, eliminating the need for percutaneous connections
FDA Status: Received Breakthrough Device designation from FDA
Synchron Inc. is a medical technology company developing the Stentrode, a minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that records neural activity from within the blood vessel of the motor [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex). Founded in 2012, Synchron is pioneering an endovascular approach to neural recording that combines the benefits of invasive recording with reduced surgical risk[@oxley2021].
The Stentrode represents a breakthrough in BCI technology by avoiding the need for open brain surgery while still providing high-quality neural signals from the motor cortex.
Technology Overview
The Stentrode
The Stentrode is a platinum-iridium electrode array mounted on a nitinol self-expanding stent. Key features include:
Size: 8 cm flexible mesh with 16 electrode contacts distributed along its length
Implantation: Minimally invasive procedure via the jugular vein, reaching the motor cortex through the blood vessel
Recording: Records neural signals from the motor cortex with high fidelity
Power: Wireless transmission to external receiver, eliminating the need for percutaneous connections
FDA Status: Received Breakthrough Device designation from FDA