About
Synchron Switch is a groundbreaking neurotechnology platform developed by Synchron, a Brooklyn-based medical device company. At its core is the Stentrode™, a brain-computer interface (BCI) implanted through a minimally invasive endovascular procedure that closely resembles standard stent placement — eliminating the need for open-brain surgery. Once in place, the device reads neural signals from the motor cortex and translates them into digital commands, enabling patients to control computers, smartphones, and other digital devices using only their thoughts. Designed primarily for individuals with severe motor impairments — such as those caused by ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injury — Synchron Switch empowers users to regain independence, communicate, and interact with technology. The platform is built around a broader vision: to create unprecedented access to brain data and launch an entirely new field of medicine focused on endovascular neurotechnology. Synchron is actively conducting clinical trials in the United States and Australia, with the device currently designated as investigational under FDA oversight. The company is backed by notable investors and has published peer-reviewed research demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the system. Synchron's long-term platform ambitions include expanding the capabilities of BCI technology to treat a wide range of neurological conditions and establish a data infrastructure for brain-derived insights.
Key Features
- Minimally Invasive Implant: The BCI is delivered via an endovascular procedure similar to stent placement, requiring no open brain surgery and significantly reducing risk.
- Thought-to-Device Control: Reads neural signals from the motor cortex and translates them into digital commands, enabling control of computers and smartphones through thought alone.
- Endovascular BCI Platform: Synchron's platform is built for scalability, aiming to establish a new field of medicine with broad access to brain-derived data.
- Active Clinical Trials: The device is currently undergoing FDA-supervised clinical trials in the United States, with participants demonstrating real-world digital device control.
- Autonomy & Communication: Enables people with severe motor impairments to independently interact with technology, restoring communication and social connection.
Use Cases
- Enabling ALS patients to independently type, browse the internet, and communicate via thought-controlled cursor movement.
- Restoring digital autonomy to individuals with spinal cord injuries who have lost motor function in their limbs.
- Supporting clinical research into brain signal patterns for neurological disease diagnostics and treatment development.
- Providing a platform for neuroscientists and medical researchers to study brain-computer interaction in real-world settings.
- Empowering stroke survivors with significant motor deficits to regain social connection through technology control.
Pros
- No Open Brain Surgery Required: The endovascular implant approach dramatically reduces surgical risk compared to traditional craniotomy-based BCI procedures.
- Proven Feasibility in Human Trials: Synchron has published peer-reviewed research and has active human participants demonstrating safe, functional device use.
- Broad Platform Vision: Beyond motor control, Synchron's platform is designed to eventually support diagnostics and treatment of a wide range of neurological conditions.
Cons
- Investigational Status: The device is currently limited to investigational use under FDA oversight and is not yet commercially available to the general public.
- Narrow Eligibility: Clinical trials are restricted to patients with specific conditions (e.g., ALS, paralysis), limiting who can currently access the technology.
- High Cost & Complexity: As a medical-grade implantable device, widespread adoption will require significant clinical infrastructure, trained specialists, and insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Synchron Switch?
Synchron Switch is a brain-computer interface (BCI) device that is implanted into the brain's blood vessels using a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. It reads neural signals and allows users to control digital devices — such as computers and smartphones — using only their thoughts.
Who is Synchron Switch designed for?
The device is primarily designed for people with severe motor impairments caused by conditions such as ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injury who have lost the ability to physically interact with technology.
Does using Synchron Switch require brain surgery?
No. Unlike traditional BCI implants, Synchron's device is delivered through blood vessels using a catheter — similar to how stents are placed — avoiding open brain surgery entirely.
Is Synchron Switch available to the public?
Not yet. The device is currently an investigational product, meaning it is only available to participants in approved clinical trials in the United States and Australia.
What is the broader vision of Synchron's platform?
Synchron aims to build a foundational neurotechnology platform that provides unprecedented access to brain data, ultimately launching a new field of medicine that goes beyond motor control to address a wide range of neurological conditions.
