Second-Generation (44-Channel) Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis: Surgical Stability and Safety During a 2-Year...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes progressive vision loss.
• Current treatments for advanced RP are limited.
• The suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis (ScRP) offers a potential vision restoration strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and stability of the suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis (ScRP).
• To assess the long-term outcomes of ScRP implantation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-arm clinical trial involving four participants with advanced RP.
• Unilateral implantation of a 44-channel ScRP.
• Monitoring for adverse events, implant stability, and functionality over 2.0-2.7 years.

Main Results:

• Surgical implantation was uncomplicated with uneventful recovery.
• No serious adverse events were reported; adverse events were mild.
• The ScRP demonstrated high electrode functionality and acceptable stability with minor initial array movement.

Conclusions:

• Suprachoroidal implantation of the ScRP is safe and well-tolerated in RP patients.
• The device shows minimal long-term impact on ocular structures.
• Findings support the feasibility of the ScRP approach for vision restoration in RP.