Hunan’s First and One of Nation’s First Brain-Computer Interface Brain Pacemakers for Parkinson’s Disease Completed at Xiangya Hospital

Background

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, commonly causing tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), muscle rigidity, and gait instability. As the condition advances, oral medications often become less effective, with benefits lasting only short periods and accompanied by complications. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), commonly referred to as a brain pacemaker, has been an established surgical option for suitable patients with advanced Parkinson’s, involving implanted electrodes that deliver electrical pulses to targeted brain regions to regulate abnormal neural signals.

In November 2025, clinicians at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha reported the completion of a procedure using an advanced form of this technology incorporating brain-computer interface (BCI) capabilities. The case, described in contemporary Chinese medical news as Hunan’s first and one of the nation’s first applications of a “brain-computer interface” brain pacemaker for Parkinson’s disease, aligned with growing national interest in BCI applications for neurological conditions.

What was achieved

On November 27, 2025, a multidisciplinary team consisting of Associate Professor Wang Yanjin from neurosurgery and Xu Qian from neurology at Xiangya Hospital successfully performed the implantation of a rechargeable, sensing, closed-loop brain pacemaker in a 66-year-old male patient identified in reports as Mr. Wu. The patient had experienced Parkinson’s symptoms for multiple years, including worsening limb tremors, micrographia, unstable gait, increasing medication requirements, and effects lasting only 2-3 hours, leading to significant burden on daily life.

The implanted system was the Percept™ RC closed-loop brain pacemaker together with the SenSight™ directional electrode system. Reports characterized it as the world’s first rechargeable sensing closed-loop brain pacemaker in this context. Following the procedure, the patient was reported to be in good spirits with obvious positive effects, was discharged from hospital, and was recovering steadily. The case was presented as realizing AI-enabled real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters based on sensed brain activity.

How it works

Deep brain stimulation surgery begins with detailed preoperative imaging, such as MRI, to identify precise targets in deep brain structures involved in movement control, commonly areas like the subthalamic nucleus. Under careful planning and often with the patient awake for monitoring, surgeons create small openings in the skull to insert thin electrodes into these targets. The electrodes are connected by leads to an implantable pulse generator, or neurostimulator, typically placed under the skin near the collarbone. This device delivers controlled electrical pulses that modulate the abnormal brain signals associated with Parkinson’s symptoms, helping to reduce tremors, improve movement, and stabilize gait. The approach is reversible and parameters can be adjusted noninvasively after implantation.

Traditional DBS systems provide open-loop stimulation at fixed parameters manually set by physicians according to observed symptoms and patient reports. In the closed-loop BCI version used in this case, the system additionally senses the patient’s own brain electrical signals in real time. These signals are analyzed using integrated artificial intelligence algorithms that automatically adjust stimulation parameters in response to detected changes in brain activity and symptoms. This aims to provide more dynamic, individualized therapy. The specific device reported was described as the smallest and thinnest available at the time, 37% smaller than prior models, featuring advanced battery technology for faster recharging and long-term use, full compatibility with 3.0T MRI scans without time restrictions, and directional electrodes allowing more flexible programming options.

What it means for international patients

Xiangya Hospital maintains an International Medical Department, established in 2015 in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. It has passed international certification for quality and patient safety standards, offers English-language consultations and multi-language support, dedicated clinic areas, wards, and examination pathways separate from general services, and has direct-billing arrangements with multiple international commercial insurance providers. In 2025, the hospital reported 1,761 visits by foreign patients, a six-fold increase from the prior year.

International patients seeking care for complex neurological conditions such as advanced Parkinson’s disease may find specialized neurosurgery and neurology services available. However, suitability for advanced procedures like BCI-enabled DBS depends on individual medical evaluation, disease stage, and other clinical factors. Patients should contact the hospital’s international medical department directly to confirm current availability, eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and any specific protocols for overseas applicants.

About the hospital

Xiangya Hospital of Central South University is located in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. Founded in 1906 through collaboration between the Yale-China Association and local partners, originally as Yale Hospital, it is a large tertiary Class A general hospital directly administered by the National Health Commission and affiliated with Central South University. It serves as a major center for clinical care, medical education, and scientific research.

The hospital operates approximately 3,500 beds and maintains numerous clinical departments and subspecialties. It has established strengths in neurosurgery, neurology, and other fields, with several national key disciplines and national clinical key specialties. It has a history of international cooperation with institutions including Yale University, Emory University, and the University of Pittsburgh. The hospital’s International Medical Center supports services for foreign patients as part of its development strategy.