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Browsing BI publications by Author "Allen, Penelope"
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- ItemAdvances in implantable bionic devices for blindness: a review(Wiley-Blackwell, 2016-03) Lewis, Philip; Ayton, Lauren; Guymer, Robyn; Lowery, Arthur; Blamey, Peter; Allen, Penelope; Luu, Chi; Rosenfeld, JeffreySince the 1950s, vision researchers have been working towards the ambitious goal of restoring a functional level of vision to the blind via electrical stimulation of the visual pathways. Groups based in Australia, USA, Germany, France and Japan report progress in the translation of retinal visual prosthetics from the experimental to clinical domains, with two retinal visual prostheses having recently received regulatory approval for clinical use. Regulatory approval for cortical visual prostheses is yet to be obtained; however, several groups report plans to conduct clinical trials in the near future, building upon the seminal clinical studies of Brindley and Dobelle. In this review, we discuss the general principles of visual prostheses employing electrical stimulation of the visual pathways, focusing on the retina and visual cortex as the two most extensively studied stimulation sites. We also discuss the surgical and functional outcomes reported to date for retinal and cortical prostheses, concluding with a brief discussion of novel developments in this field and an outlook for the future.
- ItemCortical activation following chronic passive implantation of a wide-field suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis(IOP Publishing, 2014-06) Villalobos, Joel; Fallon, James; Nayagam, David; Shivdasani, Mohit; Luu, Chi; Allen, Penelope; Shepherd, Robert; Williams, ChrisOBJECTIVE: The research goal is to develop a wide-field retinal stimulating array for prosthetic vision. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a suprachoroidal electrode array in evoking visual cortex activity after long term implantation. APPROACH: A planar silicone based electrode array (8 mm × 19 mm) was implanted into the suprachoroidal space in cats (ntotal = 10). It consisted of 20 platinum stimulating electrodes (600 μm diameter) and a trans-scleral cable terminated in a subcutaneous connector. Three months after implantation (nchronic = 6), or immediately after implantation (nacute = 4), an electrophysiological study was performed. Electrode total impedance was measured from voltage transients using 500 μs, 1 mA pulses. Electrically evoked potentials (EEPs) and multi-unit activity were recorded from the visual cortex in response to monopolar retinal stimulation. Dynamic range and cortical activation spread were calculated from the multi-unit recordings. MAIN RESULTS: The mean electrode total impedance in vivo following 3 months was 12.5 ± 0.3 kΩ. EEPs were recorded for 98% of the electrodes. The median evoked potential threshold was 150 nC (charge density 53 μC cm(-2)). The lowest stimulation thresholds were found proximal to the area centralis. Mean thresholds from multiunit activity were lower for chronic (181 ± 14 nC) compared to acute (322 ± 20 nC) electrodes (P < 0.001), but there was no difference in dynamic range or cortical activation spread. SIGNIFICANCE: Suprachoroidal stimulation threshold was lower in chronic than acute implantation and was within safe charge limits for platinum. Electrode-tissue impedance following chronic implantation was higher, indicating the need for sufficient compliance voltage (e.g. 12.8 V for mean impedance, threshold and dynamic range). The wide-field suprachoroidal array reliably activated the retina after chronic implantation.
- ItemDevelopment of a Magnetic Attachment Method for Bionic Eye Applications(Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 2016) Fox, Kate; Meffin, Hamish; Burns, Owen; Abbott, Carla; Allen, Penelope; Opie, Nicholas; McGowan, Ceara; Yeoh, Jonathon; Ahnood, Arman; Luu, Chi; Cicione, Rosemary; Saudners, Alexia; McPhedran, Michelle; Cardamone, Lisa; Villalobos, Joel; Garrett, David; Nayagam, David; Apollo, Nicholas; Ganesan, Kumaravelu; Shivdasani, Mohit; Stacey, Alastair; Escudie, Mathilde; Lichter, Samantha; Shepherd, Robert; Prawer, StephenSuccessful visual prostheses require stable, long-term attachment. Epiretinal prostheses, in particular, require attachment methods to fix the prosthesis onto the retina. The most common method is fixation with a retinal tack; however, tacks cause retinal trauma, and surgical proficiency is important to ensure optimal placement of the prosthesis near the macula. Accordingly, alternate attachment methods are required. In this study, we detail a novel method of magnetic attachment for an epiretinal prosthesis using two prostheses components positioned on opposing sides of the retina. The magnetic attachment technique was piloted in a feline animal model (chronic, nonrecovery implantation). We also detail a new method to reliably control the magnet coupling force using heat. It was found that the force exerted upon the tissue that separates the two components could be minimized as the measured force is proportionately smaller at the working distance. We thus detail, for the first time, a surgical method using customized magnets to position and affix an epiretinal prosthesis on the retina. The position of the epiretinal prosthesis is reliable, and its location on the retina is accurately controlled by the placement of a secondary magnet in the suprachoroidal location. The electrode position above the retina is less than 50 microns at the center of the device, although there were pressure points seen at the two edges due to curvature misalignment. The degree of retinal compression found in this study was unacceptably high; nevertheless, the normal structure of the retina remained intact under the electrodes.
- ItemDevelopment of a surgical procedure for implantation of a prototype suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis(John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2014-09) Saunders, Alexia; Williams, Chris; Heriot, Wilson; Briggs, Robert; Yeoh, Jonathan; Nayagam, David; McCombe, Mark; Villalobos, Joel; Burns, Owen; Luu, Chi; Ayton, Lauren; McPhedran, Michelle; Opie, Nicholas; McGowan, Ceara; Shepherd, Robert; Guymer, Robyn; Allen, PenelopeBACKGROUND: Current surgical techniques for retinal prosthetic implantation require long and complicated surgery, which can increase the risk of complications and adverse outcomes. METHOD: The suprachoroidal position is known to be an easier location to access surgically, and so this study aimed to develop a surgical procedure for implanting a prototype suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis. The array implantation procedure was developed in 14 enucleated eyes. A full-thickness scleral incision was made parallel to the intermuscular septum and superotemporal to the lateral rectus muscle. A pocket was created in the suprachoroidal space, and the moulded electrode array was inserted. The scleral incision was closed and scleral anchor point sutured. In 9 of the 14 eyes examined, the device insertion was obstructed by the posterior ciliary neurovascular bundle. Subsequently, the position of this neurovascular bundle in 10 eyes was characterized. Implantation and lead routing procedure was then developed in six human cadavers. The array was tunnelled forward from behind the pinna to the orbit. Next, a lateral canthotomy was made. Lead fixation was established by creating an orbitotomy drilled in the frontal process of the zygomatic bone. The lateral rectus muscle was detached, and implantation was carried out. Finally, pinna to lateral canthus measurements were taken on 61 patients in order to determine optimal lead length. RESULTS: These results identified potential anatomical obstructions and informed the anatomical fitting of the suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis. CONCLUSION: As a result of this work, a straightforward surgical approach for accurate anatomical suprachoroidal array and lead placement was developed for clinical application.
- ItemIn Vivo Feasibility of Epiretinal Stimulation Using Ultrananocrystalline Diamond 1 Electrodes(IOP Publishing, 2020-07) Shivdasani, Mohit; Evans, Mihailo; Burns, Owen; Yeoh, Jonathon; Allen, Penelope; Nayagam, David; Villalobos, Joel; Abbott, Carla; Luu, Chi; Opie, Nicholas; Sabu, Anu; Saunders, Alexia; McPhedran, Michelle; Cardamone, Lisa; McGowan, Ceara; Maxim, Vanessa; Williams, Richard; Fox, Kate; Cicione, Rosemary; Garrett, David; Ahnood, Arman; Ganesan, Kumaravelu; Meffin, Hamish; Burkitt, Anthony; Prawer, Steven; Williams, Chris; Shepherd, RobertPURPOSE: Due to their increased proximity to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), epiretinal visual prostheses present the opportunity for eliciting phosphenes with low thresholds through direct RGC activation. This study characterised the in vivo performance of a novel prototype monolithic epiretinal prosthesis, containing Nitrogen incorporated ultrananocrystalline (N-UNCD) diamond electrodes. METHODS: A prototype implant containing up to twenty-five 120×120 µm N-UNCD electrodes was implanted into 16 anaesthetised cats and attached to the retina either using a single tack or via magnetic coupling with a suprachoroidally placed magnet. Multiunit responses to retinal stimulation using charge-balanced biphasic current pulses were recorded acutely in the visual cortex using a multichannel planar array. Several stimulus parameters were varied including; the stimulating electrode, stimulus polarity, phase duration, return configuration and the number of electrodes stimulated simultaneously. RESULTS: The rigid nature of the device and its form factor necessitated complex surgical procedures. Surgeries were considered successful in 10/16 animals and cortical responses to single electrode stimulation obtained in 8 animals. Clinical imaging and histological outcomes showed severe retinal trauma caused by the device in-situ in many instances. Cortical measures were found to significantly depend on the surgical outcomes of individual experiments, phase duration, return configuration and the number of electrodes stimulated simultaneously, but not stimulus polarity. Cortical thresholds were also found to increase over time within an experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The study successfully demonstrated that an epiretinal prosthesis containing diamond electrodes could produce cortical activity with high precision, albeit only in a small number of cases. Both surgical approaches were highly challenging in terms of reliable and consistent attachment to and stabilisation against the retina, and often resulted in severe retinal trauma. There are key challenges (device form factor and attachment technique) to be resolved for such a device to progress towards clinical application, as current surgical techniques are unable to address these issues.
- ItemInterobserver Agreement of Electrode to Retina Distance Measurements in a Second-Generation (44-Channel) Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis(Translational Vision Science & Technology, 2022-09) Abbott, Carla; Baglin, Elizabeth; Kolic, Maria; McGuinness, Myra; Titchener, Samuel; Young, Kiera; Yeoh, Jonathan; Luu, Chi; Ayton, Lauren; Petoe, Matthew; Allen, PenelopePurpose: The electrode to retina (ER) distance is an important contributory factor to the safety and efficacy of a suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis. Measuring ER distance may be performed by different observers during multisite studies. The aim of this study was to assess the interobserver agreement in measuring ER distance. Methods: Three independent, trained observers measured ER distance from the center of each suprachoroidal electrode to the inner retinal pigment epithelium in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) B-scans. A total of 121 ER distance measurements from 77 B-scans collected over 5 months from one subject implanted with a second-generation 44-channel suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis (NCT03406416) were made by each observer. Results: ER distance ranged from 208 to 509 µm. Pearson's correlation coefficient (ρ) showed agreement of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98–0.99) in measuring ER for each pairwise comparison. The mean difference in ER distance between observers ranged from 2.4 to 6.4 µm with pairwise limits of agreement (95% CI) of ±20 µm (5.5% of mean). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed agreement of 0.98 (95% CI = 0.97–0.99) between observers. Conclusions: There is high agreement in measuring ER distances for suprachoroidal retinal prostheses using our systematic approach between multiple, trained observers, supporting the use of a single observer for each image. Translational Relevance: High interobserver agreement outcomes indicate that multiple, trained observers can be used to take ER measurements across different images in suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis studies. This improves multisite study efficiency and gives confidence in interpreting results relating to the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal retinal prostheses.
- ItemNeural Responses to Multielectrode Stimulation of Healthy and Degenerate Retina(IOVS, 2017-07) Halupka, Kerry; Abbott, Carla; Wong, Yan; Cloherty, Shaun; Grayden, David; Burkitt, Anthony; Sergeev, Evgeni; Brandli, Alice; Allen, Penelope; Meffin, Hamish; Shivdasani, MohitPurpose: Simultaneous stimulation of multiple retinal electrodes in normally sighted animals shows promise in improving the resolution of retinal prostheses. However, the effects of simultaneous stimulation on degenerate retinae remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of cortical responses to multielectrode stimulation of the degenerate retina. Methods: Four adult cats were bilaterally implanted with retinal electrode arrays in the suprachoroidal space after unilateral adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced retinal photoreceptor degeneration. Functional and structural changes were characterized by using electroretinogram a-wave amplitude and optical coherence tomography. Multiunit activity was recorded from both hemispheres of the visual cortex. Responses to single- and multielectrode stimulation of the ATP-injected and fellow control eyes were characterized and compared. Results: The retinae of ATP-injected eyes displayed structural and functional changes consistent with mid- to late-stage photoreceptor degeneration and remodeling. Responses to multielectrode stimulation of the ATP-injected eyes exhibited shortened latencies, lower saturated spike counts, and higher thresholds, compared to stimulation of the fellow control eyes. Electrical receptive field sizes were significantly larger in the ATP-injected eye than in the control eye, and positively correlated with the extent of degeneration. Conclusions: Significant differences exist between cortical responses to stimulation of healthy and degenerate retinae. Our results highlight the importance of using a retinal degeneration model when evaluating the efficacy of novel stimulation paradigms.
- ItemOculomotor Responses to Dynamic Stimuli in a 44-Channel Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis(tvst, 2020-12) Titchener, Samuel; Kvansakul, Jessica; Shivdasani, Mohit; Nayagam, David; Epp, Stephanie; Williams, Chris; Barnes, Nick; Kentler, William; Kolic, Maria; Balin, Elizabeth; Ayton, Lauren; Abbott, Carla; Luu, Chi; Allen, Penelope; Petoe, MatthewPURPOSE: To investigate oculomotor behavior in response to dynamic stimuli in retinal implant recipients. METHODS: Three suprachoroidal retinal implant recipients performed a four-alternative forced-choice motion discrimination task over six sessions longitudinally. Stimuli were a single white bar ("moving bar") or a series of white bars ("moving grating") sweeping left, right, up, or down across a 42″ monitor. Performance was compared with normal video processing and scrambled video processing (randomized image-to-electrode mapping to disrupt spatiotemporal structure). Eye and head movement was monitored throughout the task. RESULTS: Two subjects had diminished performance with scrambling, suggesting retinotopic discrimination was used in the normal condition and made smooth pursuit eye movements congruent to the moving bar stimulus direction. These two subjects also made stimulus-related eye movements resembling optokinetic reflex (OKR) for moving grating stimuli, but the movement was incongruent with stimulus direction. The third subject was less adept at the task, appeared primarily reliant on head position cues (head movements were congruent to stimulus direction), and did not exhibit retinotopic discrimination and associated eye movements. CONCLUSIONS: Our observation of smooth pursuit indicates residual functionality of cortical direction-selective circuits and implies a more naturalistic perception of motion than expected. A distorted OKR implies improper functionality of retinal direction-selective circuits, possibly due to retinal remodeling or the non-selective nature of the electrical stimulation. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Retinal implant users can make naturalistic eye movements in response to moving stimuli, highlighting the potential for eye tracker feedback to improve perceptual localization and image stabilization in camera-based visual prostheses.
- ItemSafety and efficacy of explanting or replacing suprachoroidal electrode arrays in a feline model(John Wiley and Sons, 2015-04) Leung, Ronald; Nayagam, David; Williams, Richard; Allen, Penelope; Salinas-La Rosa, Cesar; Shivdasani, Mohit; Ayton, Lauren; Basa, Meri; Yeoh, Jonathan; Saunders, Alexia; Shepherd, Robert; Williams, ChrisBACKGROUND: 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 surrounding the implant was examined. RESULTS: Array explantation or replacement was successful in all cases. Fundus photography showed localized disruption to the tapetum lucidum near the implant's tip in seven subjects following implantation. Although optical coherence tomography showed localized retinal changes, there were no widespread statistically significant differences in the thickness of the retinal layers or choroid. The distance between the electrodes and retina increased after device replacement but returned to control values within eight weeks (P < 0.03). Staphylomas developed near the scleral wound in five animals after device explantation. Device replacement did not alter the cortical evoked potential threshold. Histopathology showed localized outer nuclear layer thinning, tapetal disruption and pseudo-rosette formation, but the overall retinal morphology was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to remove or replace conformable medical grade silicone electrode arrays implanted suprachoroidally. The scleral wound requires careful closure to minimize the risk of staphylomas.
- ItemSafety Studies for a 44-Channel Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis: A Chronic Passive Study(IOVS, 2018-03) Abbott, Carla; Nayagam, David; Luu, Chi; Epp, Stephanie; Williams, Richard; Salinas-LaRosa, Cesar; Villalobos, Joel; McGowan, Ceara; Shivdasani, Mohit; Burns, Owen; Leavens, Jason; Yeoh, Jonathon; Brandli, Alice; Thien, Patrick; Zhou, Jenny; Feng, Helen; Williams, Chris; Shepherd, Robert; Allen, PenelopeAbstract Purpose: Following successful clinical outcomes of the prototype suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis, Bionic Vision Australia has developed an upgraded 44-channel suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis to provide a wider field of view and more phosphenes. The aim was to evaluate the preclinical passive safety characteristics of the upgraded electrode array. Methods: Ten normal-sighted felines were unilaterally implanted with an array containing platinum electrodes (44 stimulating and 2 returns) on a silicone carrier near the area centralis. Clinical assessments (color fundus photos, optical coherence tomography, full-field electroretinography, intraocular pressure) were performed under anesthesia prior to surgery, and longitudinally for up to 20 weeks. Histopathology grading of fibrosis and inflammation was performed in two animals at 13 to 15 weeks. Results: Eight animals showed safe electrode array insertion (good retinal health) and good conformability of the array to the retinal curvature. Eight animals demonstrated good mechanical stability of the array with only minor (<2 disc diameters) lateral movement. Four cases of surgical or stability complications occurred due to (1) bulged choroid during surgery, (2) hemorrhage from a systemic bleeding disorder, (3) infection, and (4) partial erosion of thin posterior sclera. There was no change in retinal structure or function (other than that seen at surgery) at endpoint. Histopathology showed a mild foreign body response. Electrodes were intact on electrode array removal. Conclusions: The 44-channel suprachoroidal electrode array has an acceptable passive safety profile to proceed to clinical trial. The safety profile is expected to improve in human studies, as the complications seen are specific to imitations (anatomic differences) with the feline model.
- ItemA Second-Generation (44-Channel) Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis: Long-Term Observation of the Electrode–Tissue Interface(Translational Vision Science & Technology, 2022-06) Titchener, Samuel; Nayagam, David; Kvansakul, Jessica; Kolic, Maria; Baglin, Elizabeth; Abbott, Carla; McGuinness, Myra; Ayton, Lauren; Luu, Chi; Greenstein, Steven; Kentler, William; Shivdasani, Mohit; Allen, Penelope; Petoe, MatthewPurpose: To report the long-term observations of the electrode–tissue interface and perceptual stability in humans after chronic stimulation with a 44-channel suprachoroidal retinal implant. Methods: Four subjects (S1–4) with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa received the implant unilaterally (NCT03406416). Electrode impedances, electrode–retina distance (measured using optical coherence tomography imaging), and perceptual thresholds were monitored up to 181 weeks after implantation as the subjects used the prosthesis in the laboratory and in daily life. Stimulation charge density was limited to 32 µC/cm2 per phase. Results: Electrode impedances were stable longitudinally. The electrode–retina distances increased after surgery and then stabilized, and were well-described by an asymptotic exponential model. The stabilization of electrode–retina distances was variable between subjects, stabilizing after 45 weeks for S1, 63 weeks for S2, and 24 weeks for S3 (linear regression; Pgradient > 0.05). For S4, a statistically significant increase in electrode–retina distance persisted (P < 0.05), but by the study end point the rate of increase was clinically insignificant (exponential model: 0.33 µm/wk). Perceptual electrical thresholds were stable in one subject, decreased over time in two subjects (linear model; P < 0.05), and increased slightly in one subject but remained within the predefined charge limits (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Chronic stimulation with the suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis over 3 years resulted in stable impedances, small individual changes in perceptual electrical thresholds, and no clinically significant increase in electrode–retina distances after a period of settling after surgery. Translational Relevance: Chronic stimulation with the 44-channel suprachoroidal retinal implant with a charge density of up to 32 µC/cm2 per phase is suitable for long-term use in humans.
- ItemStimulation of a Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis Drives Cortical Responses in a Feline Model of Retinal Degeneration(iOVS, 2016-10) Aplin, Felix; Fletcher, Erica; Luu, Chi; Vessey, Kirstan; Allen, Penelope; Guymer, Robyn; Shepherd, Robert; Shivdasani, MohitPurpose: Retinal prostheses have emerged as a promising technology to restore vision in patients with severe photoreceptor degeneration. To better understand how neural degeneration affects the efficacy of electronic implants, we investigated the function of a suprachoroidal retinal implant in a feline model. Methods: Unilateral retinal degeneration was induced in four adult felines by intravitreal injection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Twelve weeks post injection, animals received suprachoroidal electrode array implants in each eye, and responses to electrical stimulation were obtained using multiunit recordings from the visual cortex. Histologic measurements of neural and glial changes in the retina at the implant site were correlated with cortical thresholds from individual stimulating electrodes. Results: Adenosine triphosphate-injected eyes displayed changes consistent with mid-to-late stage retinal degeneration and remodeling. A significant increase in electrical charge was required to induce a cortical response from stimulation of the degenerated retina compared to that in the fellow control eye. Spatial and temporal characteristics of the electrically evoked cortical responses were no different between eyes. Individual electrode thresholds varied in both the control and the ATP-injected eyes and were correlated with ganglion cell density. In ATP-injected eyes, cortical threshold was also independently correlated with an increase in the extent of retinal gliosis. Conclusions: These data suggest that even when ganglion cell density remains unaffected, glial changes in the retina following degeneration can influence the efficacy of suprachoroidal electrical stimulation. A better understanding of how glial change impacts retinal prosthesis function may help to further the optimization of retinal implants.
- ItemA wide-field suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis is stable and well tolerated following chronic implantation(Association For Research In Vision And Ophthalmology (ARVO), 2013-04) Villalobos, Joel; Nayagam, David; Allen, Penelope; McKelvie, Penelope; Luu, Chi; Ayton, Lauren; Freemantle, Alexia; McPhedran, Michelle; Basa, Meri; McGowan, Ceara; Shepherd, Robert; Williams, ChrisPurpose. The safety of chronic implantation of a retinal prosthesis in the suprachoroidal space has not been established. This study aimed to determine the safety of a wide-field suprachoroidal electrode array following chronic implantation using histopathologic techniques and electroretinography. Methods. A platinum electrode array in a wide silicone substrate was implanted unilaterally in the suprachoroidal space in adult cats (n = 7). The lead and connector were tunneled out of the orbit and positioned subcutaneously. Postsurgical recovery was assessed using fundus photography and electroretinography (ERG). Following 3 months of passive implantation, the animals were terminated and the eyes assessed for the pathologic response to implantation. Results. The implant was mechanically stable in the suprachoroidal space during the course of the study. The implanted eye showed a transient increase in ERG response amplitude at 2 weeks, which returned to normal by 3 months. Pigmentary changes were observed at the distal end of the implant, near the optic disc. Histopathologic assessment revealed a largely intact retina and a thin fibrous capsule around the suprachoroidal implant cavity. The foreign body response was minimal, with sporadic presence of macrophages and no active inflammation. All implanted eyes were negative for bacterial or fungal infections. A midgrade granuloma and thick fibrous buildup surrounded the extraocular cable. Scleral closure was maintained in six of seven eyes. There were no staphylomas or choroidal incarceration. Conclusions. A wide-field retinal prosthesis was stable and well tolerated during long-term suprachoroidal implantation in a cat model. The surgical approach was reproducible and overall safe