First Patient in Jiangsu's First Brain-Computer Interface Clinical Ward Reaches One-Year Follow-Up

Background

In late June 2025, the Eastern Theater General Hospital established Jiangsu province's first clinical research ward dedicated to brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and simultaneously opened a BCI outpatient clinic. During the preparation and construction of the ward, the hospital completed its first semi-invasive BCI clinical research surgery.

The patient, a man surnamed Guo from Inner Mongolia, had been paralyzed for eight years following a cervical fracture that caused spinal cord injury. He had been unable to lift a cup with his hands. On July 17, 2025, he underwent the procedure. Coverage dated August 1, 2026, reported that this first patient had reached the one-year follow-up since surgery and system connection. The follow-up assessment was performed by a team led by Professor Ma Chiyuan, director of neurosurgery at the hospital.

What was achieved

At the one-year follow-up visit on July 17, 2026, the patient showed significant improvement in right-hand function. Professor Ma Chiyuan stated that the patient can now very flexibly pick up a mineral water bottle or cup to drink water independently, with self-care ability markedly improved compared to pre-surgery. Significant progress was observed in autonomous limb movements both with and without external assistive devices.

The patient is currently practicing eating with a spoon. Although the movements remain somewhat clumsy, this represents a major step forward in self-care ability. Earlier evaluation at three months post-surgery had shown he could lift a water bottle using a pneumatic glove and grasp a wooden block with his bare hands. These outcomes are described as demonstrating brain function remodeling facilitated by the BCI technology. The patient recalled the initial activation moment, noting that thinking about grasping allowed him to do so, describing it as the hand and brain becoming integrated.

How it works

Spinal cord injury can interrupt the neural pathways carrying movement commands from the brain to the limbs, resulting in paralysis despite the brain's continued generation of motor intent. Brain-computer interface systems work by detecting these brain signals, decoding the intended movements, and using that information to produce functional outputs.

In the semi-invasive technique used here, a domestically developed device is implanted with electrodes positioned entirely outside the dura mater, the protective membrane covering the brain. This placement is reported to minimize damage to brain tissue and lower risks such as infection or bleeding compared to methods that insert electrodes directly into brain parenchyma. Initially, decoded signals can control assistive tools such as a pneumatic glove to execute grasps. Over extended use combined with rehabilitation, the technology supports brain function remodeling through neuroplasticity, enabling improved voluntary movement even without constant reliance on the external device. The clinical research ward integrates preoperative assessment, intraoperative precision, postoperative monitoring, data collection, intelligent analysis, and rehabilitation using equipment for limb function training, speech and swallowing therapy, and brain electrical stimulation.

What it means for international patients

This case illustrates early clinical experience with BCI technology in a dedicated research ward in Jiangsu province for patients with chronic spinal cord injury. It reports functional gains in hand use and self-care after one year, pointing to potential applications in neurorehabilitation.

Reports on this specific event do not detail provisions for international patients, dedicated international or VIP departments, or language support tied to the BCI program. As these remain clinical research applications, eligibility, availability, and suitability for overseas patients must be confirmed directly with the hospital. Patients should inquire with the hospital regarding current programs, inclusion criteria, and any required arrangements.

About the hospital

Jinling Hospital, also known as the General Hospital of the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, is a comprehensive tertiary grade-A facility located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is affiliated with the Medical School of Nanjing University.

The hospital maintains 34 key disciplines at national, military, and provincial levels. It is equipped with advanced technology including da Vinci surgical robots, dual-source CT, PET-CT, and other precision instruments. It has a history of innovation in complex procedures, including multi-organ transplantation, and its neurosurgery department has been active in clinical research and application of neuromodulation and BCI technologies. It functions as a major teaching, research, and clinical center.