Development of very large electrode arrays for epiretinal stimulation (VLARS)
Florian Waschkowski, Stephan Hesse, Anne Christine Rieck
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. pwalter@ukaachen.de.
Biomedical Engineering Online
|February 8, 2014
Summary
Large flexible retinal stimulators were successfully fabricated and implanted, offering potential for broader vision restoration in conditions like retinitis pigmentosa (RP). These devices can cover a larger retinal area and record neural activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Retinal implants aim to treat blindness from retinal degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
- Current retinal stimulators cover limited central retinal areas.
- Larger retinal coverage is needed for comprehensive visual field restoration, but implantation is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test large-area retinal stimulators for improved vision restoration.
- To address the challenges of implanting larger retinal devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of large-area flexible multielectrode arrays (MEAs) using silicon and polyimide.
- Use of gold electrodes coated with iridium oxide.
- Implantation of prototype MEAs into porcine eyes and in vitro testing.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated 12 mm diameter MEAs, covering a 37.6° visual angle.
- Demonstrated flexibility for implantation in a folded state via a nozzle.
- Achieved in vitro recording of retinal neuron activity.
Conclusions:
- Large, flexible MEAs covering wider retinal areas are feasible with silicon-polyimide technology.
- Surgical techniques for inserting large retinal implants were established.
- These devices can also be utilized for recording retinal neural activity.
