A U.S. military veteran who is paralyzed has received an innovative implant. Neuralink a brain-computer interface developed by surgeons from The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
RJ, who became paralyzed following a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle crash, has become the fifth individual involved in Neuralink’s PRIME (Precision Robotic Insertion of Medically Enabled Implants) Study and is the initial person to receive this implantation at The Miami Project to Heal Paralysis along with the Department of Neurological Surgery at UHealth – University of Miami Health System. This study aims to evaluate the security and effectiveness of Neuralink's intracranial brain-computer interface (BCI) device designed to create a seamless wireless connection linking the human mind directly to computer systems.
RJ got his implant installed successfully in April 2025 and left the hospital just one day following the procedure. Thanks to this Neuralink implant, RJ can now operate both his computer and smartphone using only his mind. Recently, Neuralink has been advancing rapidly. update emphasized the ways RJ and other individuals involved in the PRIME Study have incorporated their Neuralink implants into their everyday activities.
Jonathan Jagid, M.D., the lead investigator for The Miami Project at the University of Miami and a professor of clinical neurological surgery, neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation, expressed his enthusiasm: “As a cohesive team, we are thrilled to uncover the potential this device holds in transforming everyday life experiences. Being both a physician and a researcher, I remain consistently motivated as our understanding deepens regarding what this technological advancement can achieve.”
The CEO of the University of Miami Health System, Dr. Dipen J. Parekh, referred to the procedure as a significant achievement. He stated, “Introducing cutting-edge technology to specialists who can push limits is at the core of academic medicine. Our surgical team ranks amongst the finest nationwide and will play an instrumental role in advancing this technology further. Witnessing such advancements make a direct positive impact on patients represents the greatest form of recognition.”
The research group from the University of Miami featured co-investigators such as Dr. Allan Levi, who serves as a professor and head of the department of neurological surgery; Dr. Michael Ivan, an associate professor within the same department; along with Dr. Seth Tigchelaar, a neurosurgery resident affiliated with the Miller School. This specific surgical intervention took place at the UHealth Tower, which stands as the primary medical center for UHealth – part of the larger University of Miami Health System infrastructure.
"I am incredibly proud of our Miami Project and University of Miami team—who worked relentlessly alongside our Neuralink colleagues—to contribute to shaping history, greatly benefitting our initial patient. This undoubtedly will make a huge difference for future patients as well," remarked Dr. Levi.
RJ is elated about the surgery and how his life has improved since the procedure, expressing great appreciation for the surgical team. He says they're restoring his passion and motivation. According to RJ, he now feels like he can pivot and ignite inspiration for future patients who follow in his footsteps.
We're thrilled about this exclusive partnership with the exceptional Neuralink team," stated Dr. W. Dalton Dietrich, scientific director of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, co-director of the University of Miami Neural Engineering Institute, and professor of neurological surgery at the Miller School. "The success of implanting Neuralink’s brain-computer interface device into an individual who suffered from spinal cord injury here at The Miami Project underscores our commitment to interdisciplinary efforts aimed at pushing forward cutting-edge research in neural connections and neuro-recovery methods.
For the PRIME Study ( NCT06429735 ), Neuralink is still seeking participants who lack the capability to utilize both their hands effectively because of cervical spinal cord injuries or ALS. Those who are eager to find out if they might be eligible for this study can join Neuralink's efforts in the United States. Patient Registry .
This is a significant achievement as we begin our journey into the 40s. th As we get nearer to finding cures and solutions for individuals dealing with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other neurological disorders, it’s appropriate that we join forces with Neuralink. By leveraging their cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies, we can accelerate our progress toward this objective,” stated Barth A. Green, M.D., co-founder of The Miami Project.
"We are enthusiastic about progressing with this innovative technology and merging our clinical research skills with the visionary group at Neuralink. This partnership is expected to mark another substantial advancement and ideally yield significant outcomes for the millions affected by paralysis and severe motor impairments," stated Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project.
The Miami Project for Paralysis Cure In 1985, Dr. Barth A. Green, an esteemed neurosurgeon, along with Nick Buoniconti, a celebrated NFL Hall of Famer known for his time as a linebacker, established The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis following the tragic spinal cord injury endured by Nick’s son, Marc, which occurred during a college football match. As part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and designated as a Center of Excellence, The Miami Project stands out globally as a premier research hub. The organization focuses on pioneering studies involving traumatic injuries like those affecting the spine and brain, as well as conditions such as peripheral nerve damage and various neurological ailments—including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, and strokes.
Under the guidance of Drs. Barth Green, Allan Levi, and W. Dalton Dietrich, The Miami Project’s global collective of over 175 experts—including scientists, researchers, clinicians, and support personnel—are committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals grappling with spinal cord and brain injuries as well as various neurological conditions. These specialists at The Miami Project are engaged in numerous clinical investigations focused on spinal cord injury treatments such as evaluating neuroprotective methods, employing Schwann cells and stem cells in cellular therapy, and advancing rehabilitation techniques alongside neuromodulation practices like brain-machine interfaces. Furthermore, they're actively involved in discovering drugs aimed at promoting axonal regrowth, modulating immunity, addressing neuropathic pain issues, boosting male fertility, and tackling cardiovascular ailments. If you wish to sign up for The Miami Project's research initiatives or clinical experiments, send an email. [email protected] To find out more information about The Miami Project, please visit: www.TheMiamiProject.org
Regarding the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine – Established in 1952 as Florida's first medical school, the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine has become a global leader in medical education, research and clinical care. Boasting more than 1,700 faculty members, 48 centers and institutes and 29 clinical and basic science departments, the Miller School is ranked as one of Florida’s top NIH-funded medical school. Its innovative dual-degree programs, cutting-edge discoveries in genetics, cellular therapeutics and cancer care and commitment to community health underscore its pivotal role in advancing medicine locally and globally. The Miller School continues to pioneer transformative solutions to complex medical challenges, making it a beacon of innovation and excellence in health care.
About Neuralink – Neuralink Neuralink was established by Elon Musk with the aim of developing a comprehensive neural interface designed to address unmet medical needs for individuals facing such challenges in the short term, while also aiming to enhance human capabilities over the longer term. For additional information about Neuralink, we invite you to follow our updates. X , YouTube , LinkedIn and our blog .
The post A paralyzed veteran has undergone surgery to implant a Neuralink device at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis located within the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. first appeared on Miami's Community News .