Background

Ann Stork is the first U.S. patient to receive an implant of Synchron’s endovascular brain-computer interface. Synchron’s BCI uses a minimally invasive approach to place electrodes in the brain through blood vessels rather than open surgery, representing a significant technological advance in making BCI implants safer and more accessible. Stork’s successful implantation in July 2022 at Mount Sinai West in New York, under the clinical leadership of neurosurgeon Shahram Majidi, MD, marked a milestone in U.S. BCI development.

Key Contributions

Stork’s implantation and subsequent successful use of Synchron’s BCI demonstrated the viability of endovascular electrode placement as an alternative to traditional open-brain surgery. The procedure was minimally invasive, requiring no large surgical incisions, and Stork was able to return home just 48 hours after implantation—far shorter than typical recovery from traditional BCI electrode implantation surgery. Her participation in Synchron’s COMMAND clinical trial has provided valuable clinical data on the safety, durability, and efficacy of endovascular BCI electrodes. As one of the first U.S. BCI patients, Stork’s experience helped establish important precedents for regulatory approval and clinical protocol for minimally invasive BCI implantation in the United States.

Current Impact

Stork represents an important step forward in making BCIs more practical and accessible through less invasive surgical approaches. Her successful long-term use of the implant helps validate Synchron’s endovascular technology as a viable alternative to traditional intracortical electrode arrays. Stork’s participation in clinical trials continues to contribute valuable data about the potential of BCIs to restore communication and control for people with severe paralysis, while demonstrating that such implants can be placed safely and effectively with minimally invasive surgical techniques.