Transretinal implant and method of manufacture
First Claim
1. An implantable device to affect an eye, the eye having a retina, a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
- a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally;
said retinal implant comprising at least one electrode connected with a stimulating source;
at least one connection with said stimulating source and with said at least one electrode, wherein said connection is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said connection suitably designed to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said stimulating source is suitable to be located outside the sclera.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is a retinal implant device to stimulate a retina of an eye thereby producing a specific effect in an eye, such as vision or drug treatment of a chronic condition. The retinal device is made of a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally and that contains a multitude of stimulation sites that are in contact with the retina. A connection carries the stimulating electrical signal or drug. The connection passes transretinally through the retina and into the vitreous cavity of the eye, thereby minimizing damage to the nutrient-rich choroid. The lead is attached to a source of drugs or electrical energy, which is located outside the eye. The lead passes through the sclera at a point near the front of the eye to avoid damage to the retina.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An implantable device to affect an eye, the eye having a retina, a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
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a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally;
said retinal implant comprising at least one electrode connected with a stimulating source;
at least one connection with said stimulating source and with said at least one electrode, wherein said connection is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said connection suitably designed to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said stimulating source is suitable to be located outside the sclera. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A implantable device to deliver drugs to an eye, the eye having a retina, a sciera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
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a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally for drug release;
said retinal implant comprising a drug delivery device connected with a drug reservoir;
at least one connection between said drug reservoir and said retinal implant, wherein said connection is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said connection being suitable to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said drug reservoir is located outside the eye. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. An artificial retinal device to electrically stimulate a retina of an eye to produce artificial vision, the eye having a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said artificial retinal device comprising:
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a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally;
said retinal implant comprising at least one stimulating electrode connected with an electrical source that is located outside the eye;
at least one electrical lead connected with said electrical source and with said at least one stimulating electrode, wherein said electrical lead is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye; and
said electrical lead passing through the sclera at a point where there is no retina. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. An implantable device drug delivery device to deliver drugs for treatment to affect an eye, the eye having a retina, a sciera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
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a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally;
said retinal implant comprising at least one orifice connected with a drug reservoir;
at least one delivery conduit connected with said drug reservoir and with said at least one orifice, wherein said delivery conduit is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said delivery conduit suitably designed to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said drug reservoir is suitable to be located outside the sclera. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for producing an artificial retinal device suitable to electrically stimulate a retina of an eye to produce artificial vision, the eye having a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said method comprising the steps of:
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selecting a biocompatible retinal implant;
placing at least one stimulating electrode in said retinal implant that is suitable for electrically stimulating the retina;
connecting an electrical lead to said stimulating electrode;
adapting said electrical lead to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
attaching said electrical lead to an electrical source that is located outside the eye; and
passing said electrical lead through the sclera at a point where there is no retina.
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26. A method for producing artificial vision in an eye using an artificial retinal device, the eye having a sclera, a retina, and a vitreous cavity, wherein said artificial retinal device comprises a retinal implant further comprising at least one stimulating electrode in said retinal implant, said stimulating electrode connected with an electrical source, at least one electrical lead connected with said electrical source and said electrode, the method comprising the steps of:
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adapting said retinal implant to be positionable in the subretinal position in the eye;
adapting said electrical lead to be suitable to pass transretinally through the retina of the eye into the vitreous cavity; and
adapting said electrical lead to be suitable to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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29. A visual prosthesis, comprising:
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means for perceiving a visual image where said means is suitable to be located outside the eye of a user, said means producing a visual signal output in response thereto;
retinal tissue stimulation means adapted to be operatively attached to a retina of a user, where said retinal stimulation means is suitable to be located below the retina of a user; and
wireless visual signal communication means for transmitting said visual signal output to said retinal tissue stimulation means.
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30. A method of at least partially restoring vision to a user who suffers from photoreceptor degenerative retinal conditions of the eye, comprising the steps of:
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perceiving a visual image and producing a visual signal output in response thereto;
wirelessly transmitting the visual signal output into the eye of a user; and
stimulating retinal tissue of the user by means of an electrode, that is suitable to be placed below the retina of a user, in accordance with the visual signal output.
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Specification