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The Effects of Closed-Loop Brain Implants on Autonomy and Deliberation: What are the Risks of Being Kept in the Loop?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2018

FREDERIC GILBERT ,
TERENCE O’BRIEN  and
MARK COOK
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Abstract:

A new generation of implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCI) devices have been tested for the first time in a human clinical trial, with significant success. These intelligent implants detect specific neuronal activity patterns, such as an epileptic seizure, and provide information to help patients to respond to the upcoming neuronal events. By forecasting a seizure, the technology keeps patients in the decisional loop; the device gives control to patients on how to respond and decide on a therapeutic course ahead of time. Being kept in the decisional loop can positively increase patients’ quality of life; however, doing so does not come free of ethical concerns. There is currently a lack of evidence concerning the various impacts of closed-loop system BCIs on patients’ decisionmaking processes, especially how being in the decisional loop impacts patients’ sense of autonomy. This article addresses these gaps by providing data that we obtained from a first-in-human clinical trial involving patients implanted with advisory brain devices. This article explores ethical issues related to the risks involved in being kept in the decisional loop.

Keywords

advisory systemautonomybrain–computer interfacesclosed-loop systemdecisionmaking processesdecisional vulnerabilitydeliberationidentitypredictive implantself
Type
Departments and Columns
Information
Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics , Volume 27 , Issue 2 , April 2018 , pp. 316 - 325
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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References

Notes

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18. This study was conducted in accordance with Tasmanian Human Research Ethics Committee regulations. Patient Consent and Minimal Risk Ethics Application Approval, entitled “(H0013883) Implantable Seizure Advisory Brain Devices: Ethical Implications” is in compliance with the Tasmanian Human Research Ethics Committee regulations. Initial ethics approval was obtained in March 2013, and an amendment was approved in November 2014.

19. Interviews consisted in following a semi-structured script with a duration average of 45 minutes per patient. Open questions such as: “how was it to live with/out the device” or “how did you experienced device prediction” were asked. Following patients’ answers, we followed up on some key themes or concepts introduced by patients. This qualitative approach allowed us to capture first-personal perspectives that are not identified by standardized questionnaires and scales.

20. See note 3, Cook et al. 2013.

21. Here, Kermit the frog is an aura. An aura is a physiological phenomenon experienced by some patients, which announces an upcoming epileptic seizure.

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