May 2004
Volume 45, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2004
Experimental Implantation of Retina Implant Systems
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • N. Alteheld
    Ophthalmology, Technical University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
    Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
  • G.F. Roessler
    Ophthalmology, Technical University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
    Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
  • M.A. Vobig
    Ophthalmology, Technical University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
    Ophthalmology, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
  • J. Huth
    Ophthalmology, Technical University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • P. Walter
    Ophthalmology, Technical University Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  N. Alteheld, None; G.F. Roessler, None; M.A. Vobig, None; J. Huth, None; P. Walter, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  BMBF FKZ 01KP0004
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2004, Vol.45, 4193. doi:
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    • Get Citation

      N. Alteheld, G.F. Roessler, M.A. Vobig, J. Huth, P. Walter; Experimental Implantation of Retina Implant Systems . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2004;45(13):4193.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Despite all progress in surgical and medical therapy there are still incurable diseases in ophthalmology. Progressive retinal degenerations like Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) often end in total blindness unpreventably, typically as a consequence of progressively narrowing visual fields. Due to increasing miniaturisation and integration of microelectronic components the realisation of active implants for the eye became possible. A promising therapeutic approach to restore useful vision to blind patients is the development of a visual prosthesis, the Retina Implant system. Retinal ganglion cells are stimulated by epiretinal stimulatorsystems, connected wirelessly to an extraocular, minaturised CMOS camera and image processing unit. To ensure the feasibility, biocompatibility and functionality of such systems for a human application operation procedures have to be evaluated in animals. Methods:In the rabbit and the cat combined operations of the anterior and the posterior segment were carried out. Surgery requires the removal of the natural lens (phacoemulsification) and a standard vitrectomy. The implant is positioned into the capsular bag. A micro cable with the retina stimulator is guided through a posterior capsulotomy on the retinal surface. Electrical stimuli were applied with a stimulus generator. Specific activation of the tractus opticus and the cortex was registered Results: The implantation of active intraocular implants could be realised successfully in the rabbit and the cat. Hereby the preconditions for investigations on biocompatibility and functionality were provided. Electrical stimulation in acute animal experiments generated increased local activity of the visual cortex and the tractus opticus. Conclusions: It could be demonstrated that even complex intraocular systems can be relatively gently implanted into the globe with modification of established operation techniques. Electrical stimulation of retinal ganglion cells with epiretinal microcontact foils generate localized cortical activity in animals. The principal feasibility of Retina Implant systems could be demonstrated. For a successful implantation in humans further tests on wireless transmission of signals and chronical implantations in animals are necessary. These tests will be carried out soon.

Keywords: retina • retinal degenerations: hereditary • low vision 
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