Damiano G. Barone on being a neurosurgeon and improving patient quality of life through surgery
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
Release Date: 11/28/2022
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, I speak with , Co-Founder and CSO of , an Italian neurotech company that is redefining the landscape of brain-computer interfaces. Corticale is pioneering a new generation of minimally invasive, CMOS-based neural implants that can record from thousands of neurons simultaneously—introducing their flagship technology, SiNAPS. Fabio walks us through how SiNAPS achieves single-cell resolution recordings via its 1024-electrode array, enabling high-fidelity access to both action potentials and local field potentials deep within cortical tissue. We...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we sit down with , co-founder of , a groundbreaking medical technology company pioneering a new frontier in cancer treatment. By integrating neurotechnology, neurobiology, and machine learning, Coherence is building a platform that doesn't just fight cancer—it manages it in real time. Ben shares how Coherence is moving beyond the traditional "cut, burn, poison" model of oncology, and instead focusing on precision neuromodulation to monitor and control cancer progression—offering hope for 24/7 adaptive treatment with fewer side effects and...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we dive into the world of European intellectual property and medtech innovation with , a German and European Patent Attorney specializing in medical technology at . With a background in mechanical engineering, a Ph.D. in liver dialysis research, and a Master of Laws in European IP law, Christian brings a rare and powerful combination of technical, legal, and clinical insight. We explore how startups and investors should think about IP strategy in Europe, the impact of the new Unified Patent Court (UPC), the nuances between U.S. and EU patent landscapes, and how IP due...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this special episode recorded after the workshop in Barcelona, I talk with and , two of the key organizers behind the . We dive into the vision behind this growing event, which brings together top researchers, engineers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to explore the cutting edge of implantable medical devices. Nicolas and Antoni share insights on the evolution of AIMD technologies, the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, and how this annual workshop is shaping the next generation of innovators. We also touch on the challenges that startups face in the space—regulatory hurdles, IP...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we sit down with , Chief Business Officer of , to explore a groundbreaking approach to treating obstructive sleep apnea. Lunosa is developing a self-expanding, injectable neurostimulator that aims to replace invasive facial surgeries with a minimally invasive, high-impact solution — tapping into a $10 billion market. Chad also reflects on his time at , a pioneering neuromodulation company that saw both innovation and controversy. He shares insights from testifying against Stimwave’s former CEO, lessons learned from the company’s collapse, and how those experiences shape...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this special on-location episode recorded in Leuven, Belgium, we sit down with the co-founders and technical leaders of — (CEO), (CTO), and (CSO). The team shares their journey developing a high-density, intracortical visual prosthesis aimed at restoring vision for the blind. From developing reliable insertion technology to achieving long-term biocompatibility in nonhuman primate models, ReVision Implant is at the forefront of neurotech innovation. Tune in to hear about their challenges, breakthroughs, and what’s next in the race to cure blindness through brain stimulation. This...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we speak with , CEO and co-founder of , a contract research organization helping Medtech and Biopharma startups slash months off their clinical timelines. With a focus on Latin America, Bioaccess enables early feasibility and first-in-human trials to be conducted faster, more affordably, and with high-quality data suitable for FDA and EU submissions. Julio shares how their global site network—built over 20 years—helps startups navigate regulatory hurdles, reduce costs, and de-risk innovation, all while improving patient lives in emerging markets. This episode is sponsored...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we’re joined by , CEO of , a consulting firm that specializes in helping MedTech companies navigate the complex journey from concept to commercialization. With over two decades of experience across regulatory strategy, product development, and market access, Nathan shares invaluable insights into the critical steps for MedTech startups and established companies looking to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Tune in as we discuss the unique challenges of the neurotech industry, strategic consulting for MedTech ventures, and how Nunex is...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we welcome Dr. Eugene Daneshvar, founder of Black Swan Intellectual Property (BSIP), a boutique law firm specializing in intellectual property for neurotech and medtech innovations. With a background in biomedical engineering and law, Eugene has a unique perspective on protecting the cutting-edge ideas that drive the future of healthcare technology. After years of working at a larger firm, Eugene founded BSIP to provide more accessible, fair, and transparent pricing for IP services, moving away from the traditional hourly billing model. In...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we welcome , a leading expert in ASIC design and professor at the , Germany. With a distinguished career in microelectronics, Dr. Ortmanns has contributed extensively to the development of integrated circuits for biomedical applications. He shares insights into the critical role of ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) design in advancing neurotech implants, focusing on low-power, high-speed circuits that are essential for optimizing the performance and reliability of these devices. Dr. Ortmanns also discusses the challenges and future of circuit integration in...
info_outlineDamiano Giuseppe Barone is a neurosurgery clinical lecturer at the University of Cambridge and fellow at The Walton Centre in Liverpool, UK. He is interested in tackling basic and translational challenges for the development of the next generation of neural bioelectronics.
***This podcast is sponsored by Ripple Neuro, check out their Neuroscience Research Tools here***
Top 3 Takeaways:
- "My favorite procedure is the procedure that works and you see the patient after that is is a changed patient."
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"You come out from medical school like age 23 or 24. Then you get to a general medical program which in the United Kingdom lasts 2 years in and then you get to the residency, which is 8 years. And then 10 years after you are age 34 practicing the neurosurgeon. I personally took what is called an 'out of programme for research/. So basically I halted my neurosurgery residency. I stepped out and I stepped in a PhD program while still covering what is called the on-call rota, which is basically doing emergency work in neurosurgery just to keep my clinical skills going." This added a few more years of training to the list.
- "Quality of life procedures, to be offered to the patients, will have to have a 70 to 80% improvement to justify the risks the patient will have to go through."
0:45 Do you want to introduce yourself better than I just did?
2:45 You spent 20 years in training for this, did you know this at the outset?
4:00 "What's it like to get only a few hours of sleep for years?"
5:00 Why did you choose to go the PhD route as well?
7:45 What's it like to be digging around in the body?
9:45 Sponsorship by Ripple Neuro
10:00 "What's your favorite procedures and what's your least favorite procedures?"
12:15 "What percentage of patients see improvements?"
14:30 "What are some, risks other than it not working, what are maybe some damage or maybe even death is that a possibility?"
16:45 "It's much more dangerous to have, a large device versus a small device. Is that kinda what you've seen?"
18:45 "Have you been involved in electrode design or device design?"
19:45 "What are you working on now?"
25:00 "What are the next steps?"
28:00 "What would you recommend or what kind of advice do you have for people considering this?"