A comparison of retinal prosthesis electrode array substrate materials.
Simulations of artificial vision suggest that 1000 electrodes may be required to restore vision to individuals with diseases of the outer retina. In order to achieve such an implant, new technology is needed, since the state-of-the-art implantable neural stimulator has at most 22 contacts with neural tissue. A critical component of this system is the multi-channel, stimulating electrode array. This array must meet very challenging, competing requirements for manufacturing, integration, surgical handling, and biocompatibility. Our lab has evaluated 3 polymers as retinal prosthesis substrates: polyimide, parylene, and silicone.
Weiland
James D
JD
Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Humayun
Mark S
MS
Eckhardt
Helmut
H
Ufer
Stefan
S
Laude
Lucien
L
Basinger
Brooke
B
Tai
Yu-Chong
YC
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004285:Dogs; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004566:Electrodes; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000601:surgery; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014992:Xylenes / Q000737:chemistry
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D012828:Silicones; D014992:Xylenes; C011055:parylene