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Micro-Fabrication of Components for a High-Density Sub-Retinal Visual Prosthesis
Douglas B Shire1, Marcus D Gingerich1, Patricia I Wong1
1Bionic Eye Technologies, Inc., Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
Micromachines
|October 22, 2020
Summary
This study details micro-fabrication solutions for retinal prosthesis development over 10 years, leading to 256+ channel visual prostheses successfully implanted in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinal prosthesis development involves complex micro-fabrication challenges.
- Over a decade of research was dedicated to overcoming these hurdles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze unique micro-fabrication problems and their solutions in retinal prosthesis development.
- To detail the methods used for creating implantable visual prosthesis components.
Main Methods:
- Micro-fabrication of flexible multi-layered, planar, and penetrating high-density electrode arrays.
- Development of surgical tools for sub-retinal implantation.
- Design and fabrication of peri-ocular device components like coil supports.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication and assembly of 256+ channel visual prosthesis devices.
- Demonstrated feasibility of sub-retinal implantation in mini-pig models.
- Identified and addressed unique surgical challenges through design and material selection.
Conclusions:
- Micro-fabrication advancements are crucial for developing functional retinal prostheses.
- The presented solutions enabled successful pre-clinical testing of visual prosthesis devices.
- Further innovation in micro-fabrication and surgical techniques can advance visual restoration technologies.
Keywords:
electrodehigh-densitymicrofabricationneurostimulationneurostimulatorprosthesisretinavisionvisualwireless
