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Artificial Vision 2013

The International Symposium on Visual Prosthetics

08.11. - 09.11.2013, Aachen

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Stability of a Suprachoroidal Visual Prosthesis

Meeting Abstract

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  • Lauren N. Ayton - Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
  • C.D. Luu - Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
  • P.J. Allen - Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
  • N.L. Opie - Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
  • J. Villalobos - The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia
  • C.E. Williams - The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia
  • R.H. Guymer - Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
  • Bionic Vision Australia consortium

Artificial Vision 2013. Aachen, 08.-09.11.2013. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2014. Doc13artvis27

doi: 10.3205/13artvis27, urn:nbn:de:0183-13artvis277

Published: February 13, 2014

© 2014 Ayton et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.en). You are free: to Share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work, provided the original author and source are credited.

Outline

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Background: In 2012, Bionic Vision Australia implanted three patients with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa with a prototype suprachoroidal visual prosthesis implant. The suprachoroidal implant location was chosen, in part, for the hypothesised improved device stability. This paper will detail the initial device stability results during twelve months from implantation.

Methods: The implanted prototype device consisted of a silicone and platinum 24-channel array, which was connected via a helical lead wire to a percutaneous connector behind the ear. Intraocular array position was monitored over a twelve-month period with weekly fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Lead wire and percutaneous connector stability were monitored using monthly X-ray and 6-monthly computerized tomography (CT) imaging. Device position was compared to anatomical landmarks to assess stability over time.

Results: From image analysis, both the intraocular array and extraocular connections remained in a stable position over twelve months. There was no damage to the devices and all electrodes remained functional over the 12 month follow up.

Conclusion: The initial twelve-month data show that the suprachoroidal implant location allows excellent device stability. As device efficacy is dependent on a stable electrode-tissue interface, suprachoroidal implantation may be a desirable option for visual prostheses.