Article
Surgical in vivo model in rabbits to test chronically self-opening intra-neural electrodes for optic nerve stimulation
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Authors
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Martina Kropp
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva/CH; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva/CH
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D. Ghezzi
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva/CH
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A. Conti
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva/CH; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva/CH
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C. Jonescu-Cuypers
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva/CH
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G. Thumann
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva/CH; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva/CH
| Published: | December 10, 2019 |
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Outline
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Objective: To develop a surgical technique in rabbits for the controlled chronic intra-orbital implantation to test self-opening intra-neural electrodes for optic nerve stimulation.
Materials and methods: The surgical procedure was developed in 13 New Zealand White Rabbits. To define the surgical strategy, define the surgical access and determine the appropriate surgical instrumentation, the experimental protocol was established in 8 rabbits, which were sacrificed for unrelated research. The established procedure was then transferred to 5 live rabbits. Surgical video recording, vital sign monitoring and documentation of animal welfare were used to examine the health of the animal during follow-up. Appropriate implantation site and structural alteration of the site architecture were investigated at the termination of the experiment.
Results: In 11 of the 13 animals, the electrode reached the intra-orbital segment of the optic nerve, confirmed by gross examination in enucleated eyes at the termination of follow-up. Gross observation did not identify any discomfort for the animals; no ocular complications, e.g. bleeding, edema at the implantation site, or infections were observed during a 4-day follow up. Heart rate (154±72 bpm), temperature (38±0.35 Celsius), respiratory rate (39.4 ±8.6 bmin) and SpO2 (92±4.5 percent) were normal during the surgery.
Discussion: We have developed a successful protocol for the chronical intra-orbital implantation of intra-neural electrodes for optic nerve stimulation in a rabbit.
