To Explant or not to Explant Neural Implants: an Empirical Study into Deliberations of Dutch Research Ethics Committees.

Summary: Imagine you have a tiny computer put into your brain or spine to help with a sickness. What happens when the medical test is over? Should doctors take the device out or leave it in? Taking it out can be risky and sad for the patient. We asked groups in the Netherlands who make the rules for these tests how they decide. We found that they look closely at physical safety but often forget about how sad or stressed patients might feel when losing the device. They also have different rules for what happens after the test. We need clearer and better rules to protect patients and their feelings.