Journal article

Safety and efficacy of explanting or replacing suprachoroidal electrode arrays in a feline model

RT Leung, DA Nayagam, RA Williams, PJ Allen, CM Salinas-La Rosa, CD Luu, MN Shivdasani, LN Ayton, M Basa, J Yeoh, AL Saunders, RK Shepherd, CE Williams

Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | WILEY | Published : 2015

Abstract

Background: A key requirement for retinal prostheses is the ability for safe removal or replacement. We examined whether suprachoroidal electrode arrays can be removed or replaced after implantation. Methods: Suprachoroidal electrode arrays were unilaterally implanted into 13 adult felines. After 1 month, arrays were surgically explanted (n=6), replaced (n=5) or undisturbed (n=2). The retina was assessed periodically using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. Three months after the initial implantation, the function of replaced or undisturbed arrays was assessed by measuring the responses of the visual cortex to retinal electrical stimulation. The histopathology of tissues su..

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Grants

Awarded by NH&MRC Centre for Clinical Research Excellence


Funding Acknowledgements

The Bionics Institute and the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) acknowledge the support they receive from the Victorian Government through its Operational Infrastructure Support Program. This research was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) through its Special Research Initiative (SRI) in Bionic Vision Science and Technology grant to Bionic Vision Australia (BVA). The Bionics Institute would like to acknowledge support from the Bertalli Family Trust and by the Harold Mitchell Foundation. CERA is supported by an NH&MRC Centre for Clinical Research Excellence (#529923) grant - Translational Clinical Research in Major Eye Diseases.