What is Synchron?
Synchron is a neurotechnology company developing the Stentrode, an implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) delivered through the jugular vein rather than open brain surgery. The Stentrode reads motor intent from inside a blood vessel so people with paralysis can control phones, tablets and computers by thought. It is investigational and in clinical trials.
People with paralysis often keep the intent to move while the signal never reaches their muscles. A BCI creates a new path by reading that intent and sending it to a device. Most BCIs require opening the skull. Synchron instead places its electrode array like a stent: the trial procedure takes about two hours and most people go home the next day.
Main Features
- Stentrode electrode array that senses motor signals from inside a blood vessel in the brain.
- Implantation through the jugular vein, with no open brain surgery.
- Thought-based control of digital devices such as phones and tablets.
- Aims to support texting, browsing and shopping without using muscles.
- A trial procedure of about two hours, with most participants going home the next day.
- Clinical studies in the USA and Australia, with an online eligibility check for patients.
How to Get Started with Synchron
- Read about the technology and research at synchron.com.
- Use the "See if you're eligible" form to check whether you might join a study.
- Talk with your neurologist about whether a BCI trial suits you.
- If accepted, follow the trial team's screening and procedure process.
Synchron Pricing
Synchron does not sell the Stentrode: it is an investigational device, not approved for commercial use anywhere. Access is only through clinical studies, and the site lists no price.
Who Should Use It?
- People living with paralysis or severe motor impairment.
- Patients with conditions such as ALS exploring clinical trials.
- Neurologists and caregivers following BCI research.
- Researchers and investors tracking neurotechnology.
Synchron Alternatives
- Be My Eyes: free assistive app for blind and low-vision users, available now
- Lunit AI: AI for cancer detection rather than an implant
- Hippocratic AI: generative AI for healthcare tasks, no hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the Synchron Stentrode?
No. The Synchron BCI System is investigational and not approved for commercial use in any country. People can only receive it by taking part in a clinical study, and Synchron offers an eligibility form on its site.
How is the Stentrode implanted?
It goes in like a stent. The device is guided through the jugular vein into a blood vessel in the brain, avoiding open brain surgery. Synchron says the trial procedure takes about two hours.
What can a Synchron BCI user do?
The goal is to let people with paralysis control a phone, tablet or other screen with thought alone, for tasks such as texting, browsing and shopping. Its clinical benefit has not yet been validated.