A paralyzed United States military veteran has become the first patient to receive Neuralink's brain-computer interface implant at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The patient, identified as RJ, represents the fifth participant in Neuralink's PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) Study and marks a significant milestone for the academic medical center.
RJ, who sustained spinal cord injury paralysis from a motorcycle accident, successfully received his implant in April 2025 and was discharged from the hospital the day after surgery. The procedure was performed at UHealth Tower, the flagship hospital of UHealth – University of Miami Health System.
Clinical Trial and Technology
The PRIME Study (NCT06429735) is an investigational medical device clinical trial designed to assess the safety and functionality of Neuralink's intracortical brain-computer interface (BCI) implant. The device establishes a wireless, digital link between the brain and computers, enabling patients to control external devices through thought alone.
Following his implantation, RJ demonstrated the ability to control his computer and smartphone using his thoughts. According to Neuralink's recent updates, RJ and other participants in the PRIME Study have successfully integrated their implants into daily life activities.
Research Team and Collaboration
The University of Miami surgical team was led by principal investigator Jonathan Jagid, M.D., professor of clinical neurological surgery, neurology, orthopedics and rehabilitation. The multidisciplinary team included co-investigators Allan Levi, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of neurological surgery, Michael Ivan, M.D., associate professor of neurological surgery, and Seth Tigchelaar, M.D., Ph.D., a Miller School neurosurgery resident.
"We are excited as a team to discover how this device has the potential to change people's day to day lives," said Dr. Jagid. "As a doctor and researcher, I continue to be encouraged as we learn more about the capabilities and possibilities of this technology."
Dr. Levi emphasized the collaborative nature of the achievement: "I'm so proud of our Miami Project and University of Miami team – who worked tirelessly with our Neuralink colleagues to help shape history – ultimately benefiting our first patient immensely. Undoubtedly this will have an enormous impact on future patients."
Patient Impact and Outcomes
RJ expressed enthusiasm about the procedure's impact on his quality of life. "They're giving me my spark back…my drive back. They've given me my purpose back. Now, I'm able to turn around and build that fire for the next guys that come through," he said.
Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., CEO of the University of Miami Health System, called the procedure a milestone. "Putting the latest technology into the hands of experts to break boundaries is what academic medicine is all about. Our surgeons are among the best in the nation to help take this technology to the next level. Seeing it benefit a patient so directly is the ultimate reward."
Ongoing Research and Patient Recruitment
For the PRIME Study, Neuralink continues seeking patients who have limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury or ALS. Individuals interested in determining their eligibility can join Neuralink's United States Patient Registry.
W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., scientific director of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and co-director of the University of Miami Neural Engineering Institute, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. "This collaboration which has already resulted in the successful implantation of Neuralink's brain computer interface implant into a spinal cord injured individual at The Miami Project is a testament to our multidisciplinary approach for advancing the latest research in neural interfaces and neurorehabilitation."
Institutional Milestone
The achievement coincides with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis celebrating its 40th anniversary. Barth A. Green, M.D., co-founder of The Miami Project, noted the timing's significance: "This is a great milestone to attain as we kick off the 40th anniversary of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. As we draw closer and closer to cures and solutions for those living with SCI and other neurological conditions, it is only fitting that we partner with Neuralink to utilize some of the most promising BCI technology in the world to advance that goal."
Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project, expressed optimism about future developments: "We are excited to move forward applying this new technology and combine our clinical research expertise with the forward-thinking team at Neuralink. We know this collaboration will be another great step forward and hopefully lead to meaningful results for the millions living with paralysis and other significant motor deficits."
