May 2004
Volume 45, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2004
The Evaluation of Subretinal Stimulation by Film–Electrode Arrays Suitable for Chronic Human Experiments in Animal Models.
H.G. Sachs; T. Schanze; C. Framme; F. Gekeler; M. Wilms; U. Brunner; W. Nisch; H. Sailer; E. Zrenner; V.–P. Gabel
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • H.G. Sachs
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • T. Schanze
    Dept. of Neurophysics, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
  • C. Framme
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • F. Gekeler
    University Eye Hospital, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
  • M. Wilms
    Dept. of Neurophysics, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
  • U. Brunner
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • W. Nisch
    Natural Science Institute, University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
  • H. Sailer
    Natural Science Institute, University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
  • E. Zrenner
    University Eye Hospital, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
  • V.–P. Gabel
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  H.G. Sachs, None; T. Schanze, None; C. Framme, None; F. Gekeler, None; M. Wilms, None; U. Brunner, None; W. Nisch, None; H. Sailer, None; E. Zrenner, None; V. Gabel, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  BMBF 01KP0012 (German Ministry of Research) , Meyer–Schwarting Stiftung
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2004, Vol.45, 4206. doi:
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      H.G. Sachs, T. Schanze, C. Framme, F. Gekeler, M. Wilms, U. Brunner, W. Nisch, H. Sailer, E. Zrenner, V.–P. Gabel; The Evaluation of Subretinal Stimulation by Film–Electrode Arrays Suitable for Chronic Human Experiments in Animal Models. . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2004;45(13):4206.

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: For the design of a successful electronic visual prosthesis experimental data related to human stimulation are essential. A temporarily implantable subretinal stimulation device has to meet various demands which have to be clarified and tested prior to human implantation. Methods: To answer the different functional and surgical questions 12 cats and 10 minipigs received various types of subretinal stimulation film–electrodes. Various functional stimulation parameters were determined in cat. Cats received subretinal film–electrodes in a pars plana vitrectomy (ppV). Silicone oil was required as a long term tamponade in chronic trials n=6 were the extraocular contact structure was hidden under the conjunctiva in the period between stimulation and recording sessions. Acute trials n=6 required perflourcarbone liquid (PFCL) to reattach the retina. Cortical recordings in the primary visual cortex were performed with micro electrodes. We focused on minipigs n=10 to evaluate safe surgical strategies for the implantation of transsclerally placed subretinal stimulation devices. Within the scope of ppV and the use of a GRIN endoscope stimulation film–electrodes were placed in minipigs transsclerally. Epidural VER recording was performed to ensure implant function. The routine postoperative follow up consisted of ophthalmoscopy, and fundus photography. Results: In cat intracortical responses to subretinal stimulation with threshold currents around 50 µA were detected for biphasic charge balanced stimulation currents. The distribution of the cortical responses revealed a retinotopic pattern. Temporal resolutions ranged from 20 – 50ms. A spatial resolution of 1 deg visual angle was estimated. In minipig the complex transscleral implantation procedure was demonstrated (n=10). The implants remained stable in the follow up period of 1 month. Conclusions: The trials revealed that the implants were tolerated well and that the film–electrodes remained stable in its position. This offers the chance to achieve useful data on visual function with this type of device when implanted in humans. The positive results from these animal experiments let us plan a time limited implantation in man.

Keywords: retina • bipolar cells • retina: distal (photoreceptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells) 
© 2004, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc., all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of an abstract in any form must be obtained in writing from the ARVO Office prior to publication.
Copyright © 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
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