Design, Fabrication, and Surgical Testing of the 3D-Printed Large-Array Port-System for the Implantation of Large...

In the treatment of blindness causing retinal dystrophies, that is, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinal implants showed promising results. Recently, larger devices restoring a greater visual field were introduced. With larger size, implantation surgery became more difficult. In this study, a novel implantation device was developed, fabricated, and tested in implantation surgeries. The goal was to demonstrate a reproducible, safe, and, in comparison, superior implantation method.

The novel implantation device 3D-Printed Large-Array Port-System (3D-PLAPS) was designed using computer-aided design software. Anatomic dimensions of rabbit, pig, and human eyes were collected from anatomic and histological data sources. The 3D-PLAPS were 3D-printed. In cadaveric porcine and rabbit eyes, 3D-PLAPS was used to implant large epiretinal stimulators developed by this group. A standardized surgical procedure was established. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured.

The 3D-PLAPS implantation device was designed with a length of 8.4 mm and adapted to the curvature of normal sighted human eyes with a diameter of 24.0 mm. The elliptical aperture is 7.0 mm in length and 1.0 mm in width at its widest points. Marginal apertures for scleral fixation were added. A closing plug was introduced. Design and dimensions were adapted for rabbit eyes. During surgery, the 3D-PLAPS improved ocular stability, sealed the incision, and withstood an elevated IOP. It was suitable for foldable stimulators with a diameter of up to 14.0 mm.

The 3D-PLAPS implantation device showed feasibility in implantation of large epiretinal stimulators and possibly also facilitates repositioning of stimulating arrays in acute experiments without the necessity for additional surgical steps.

The 3D printing and CAD software are used to applied surgery for large epiretinal stimulators.