E-BCI

For patients who have experienced photoreceptor damage and loss of visual function due to retinal degenerative diseases, such as RP and AMD, the procedure uses a minimally invasive ophthalmic implantation technique to implant the E-BCI in the retina. Designed to interface with the natural visual pathway, E-BCI converts external visual information into neural electrical signals and transmits them through the optic nerve pathway to the visual cortex, thereby reconstructing artificial visual perception and helping patients regain functional vision.

E-BCI consists of an Implant Device and a Wearable Kit. The Wearable Kit captures images from the surrounding environment using a miniature camera and converts the captured visual information into electrical signals. These signals are then processed using neural encoding algorithms and wirelessly transmitted to the Implant Device. The high-density electrode array within the Implant Device delivers electrical stimulation to the retina based on the encoded information, generating neural signals that mimic natural visual signaling. These signals are then transmitted along the visual pathway to the visual cortex, thereby reconstructing artificial visual perception.

In clinical trials, E-BCI has enabled the first participant to regain visual perceptual function shortly after surgery and progressively perform visual tasks such as letter recognition and pattern identification. Following visual rehabilitation training, the participant has been able to write letters while referencing a screen, as well as perform functional visual tasks including writing Chinese characters, grasping objects, and walking independently.