Wide-View device

2011

  • The surgical team developed the tools and techniques to safely implant the device.
  • The preclinical team optimised testing protocols for the suprachoroidal implantation of the electrode array. This included testing for mechanical stability and biocompatibility.
  • The stimulation strategy team and the preclinical team commenced experiments to record neural responses and spike trains during single electrode and multi-focal stimulation.
  • We used in vitro and in vivo data to create models of the retina and the retina/visual cortex connection.
  • Our microelectronic engineers were designing the microchip for the behind-the-ear-unit, integrating a novel two-wire interface system for providing both power and date to the stimulator.

2010

  • The Wide-View electrode array underwent a series of rigorous tests on durability and charge injection. This means a better chance of safe and sufficient electrical stimulation.
  • The physical strength of the electrode array was enhanced to improve surgical insertion.
  • We completed design and fabrication of the Wide-View device’s 98 channel chip and the doped-diamond material for the electrode array. Device durability testing showed the Wide-View device was able to pass the same stringent testing applied to Cochlear implants.
  • Our vision processing team developed techniques to encode images and present them to patients in a way useful for navigation.
  • The device progressed through preclinical studies and a safe surgical technique was developed for implantation.

High-Acuity device

2011

  • Microelectronic engineers developed the first generation microchip to test features of the stimulation circuitry as well as a data and power transfer system for the implant. This microchip was sent for fabrication at IBM and researchers have since completed bench tests using an electronics probe station and printed circuit board testing.
  • We developed a promising technique to fabricate and place hermetic feed-throughs; connections between the electrode array and the microchip.
  • Materials scientists enhanced laser milling of diamond material to make a box that will encapsulate the device, keeping the body safe from the electronics.

2010

  • We sent the first generation chip for fabrication in August 2010.
  • We demonstrated 50mW of power transfer in the air with a single coil design, which is within regulatory and surgical requirements and is promising for the planned retinal prosthesis.
  • We progressed toward electrically isolating individual electrodes, which is essential to enhancing the resolution of the images patients may perceive.

Research common to both programs

2012

  • An early prototype with 24 electrodes was successfully implanted in three patients and tests with the prototype began.

2011

  • Experimental surgery and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) study of the retinal contour profile in patients with retinitis pigmentosa was conducted to facilitate the electrode design.
  • Design engineers were developing external components and hardware to capture and process images for both the Wide-View and High-Acuity devices.
  • The vision processing team ran a series of tests to see which features will be most useful for bionic eye recipients. These included emphasising trip hazards and overhanding obstacles, as well as viewing faces with the High-Acuity device.

2010

  • Our clinicians began assessing patients with various degrees of retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and other retinal degenerations.
  • We conducted a navigation experiment to test simulated phosphene vision (what patients may actually see with the retinal implant).