Title :
A comparison of retinal prosthesis electrode array substrate materials
Author :
Weiland, James D. ; Humayun, Mark S. ; Eckhardt, Helmut ; Ufer, Stefan ; Laude, Lucien ; Basinger, Brooke ; Tai, Yu-Chong
Author_Institution :
Doheny Eye Inst., Los Angeles, CA, USA
Abstract :
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.
Keywords :
biomedical electrodes; biomedical materials; eye; neurophysiology; polymers; prosthetics; artificial vision; biocompatibility; neural tissue; parylene; polyimide; retinal prosthesis electrode array substrate materials; retinal prosthesis substrates; silicone; state-of-the-art implantable neural stimulator; surgical handling; Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Dogs; Electric Stimulation; Electrodes; Electrodes, Implanted; Equipment Design; Humans; Lasers; Polymers; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis Design; Retina; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Vessels; Silicones; Surface Properties; Xylenes;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2009. EMBC 2009. Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Minneapolis, MN
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-3296-7
Electronic_ISBN :
1557-170X
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2009.5332751
