May 2004
Volume 45, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2004
CHRONIC IMPLANTATION OF AN INACTIVE EPIRETINAL POLY (DIMETHYL SILOXANE) ELECTRODE ARRAY IN DOGS
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • J.D. Weiland
    Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA
  • D. Guven
    Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA
  • M. Maghribi
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
  • C. Davidson
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
  • S. Pannu
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
  • M. Mahadevappa
    Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA
  • P. Krulevitch
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
  • R.A. Sanchez
    Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA
  • M.S. Humayun
    Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  J.D. Weiland, None; D. Guven, None; M. Maghribi, None; C. Davidson, None; S. Pannu, None; M. Mahadevappa, None; P. Krulevitch, None; R.A. Sanchez, None; M.S. Humayun, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  DOE grant # 6400001599/11733, National Eye Institute (NEI) grant EY03040
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2004, Vol.45, 4210. doi:
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      J.D. Weiland, D. Guven, M. Maghribi, C. Davidson, S. Pannu, M. Mahadevappa, P. Krulevitch, R.A. Sanchez, M.S. Humayun; CHRONIC IMPLANTATION OF AN INACTIVE EPIRETINAL POLY (DIMETHYL SILOXANE) ELECTRODE ARRAY IN DOGS . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2004;45(13):4210.

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

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate the long–term mechanical biocompatibility of a material capable of supporting a high–density epiretinal stimulating array on a thin, flexible substrate. Methods: First generation poly(dimethyl siloxane)(PDMS) arrays manufactured by using lithographic techniques, were provided by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory(LLNL). The array had the dimensions of 3mmx40mmx50um. Biocompatibility testing regarding the surgical applicability and contact with the curvature of the retina was performed. Second generation PDMS arrays with dimensions of 4mmx40mmx55–60um were designed and fabricated with strengthening micromolded perimeter ribs, and a retinal tack hole for attachment of the array to the eye.The mechanical effects were followed up by photography, fluorescein angiography(FA), and optic coherence tomography(OCT). Results: The arrays were implanted epiretinally following pars plana vitrectomy with separation of the posterior hyaloid in 5 normal dogs. Surgical manipulation of the first generation array broke an outer trace. Being flexible and stretchable the arrays could be placed on the retina smoothly, fitting the curvature of the retina without any apparent damage to the retina. The second generation PDMS array contained 4–8 passivated gold electrodes. The edge reinforcement ribs provided an easier array implantation and manipulation. The array could be fixed to the retina with one retinal tack, which enabled stabilization of the array during the follow–up period of 2–5 months in 4 dogs. Except for one dog with an iatrogenic retinal tear formation and one with a subtotal vitreous hemorrhage, there was no complication secondary to the array implantation. Close contact of the array with the retina was shown using OCT. The retina could be visualized under the transparent array except for under the electrodes, wire traces and at the tack area. FA showed that the retina under the array remained well perfused. Hyperpigmentation was observed around the tack insertion area. Conclusions: Microfabrication techniques have the potential to enable the development of high–density electronic–retina interfaces. The PDMS–based epiretinal array is a new and promising type of device. Its implantation and handling is feasible and easy. The array conforms to the curvature of inner surface of the retina providing a close contact between the retina and the array. The significance of the contact gap remains to be tested with active electrodes.

Keywords: retina • retinitis • vitreoretinal surgery 
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