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Artificial Vision 2019

The International Symposium on Visual Prosthetics

13.12. - 14.12.2019, Aachen

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First Belgian Argus II retinal prosthesis implantation and rehabilitation: one-year outcomes

Meeting Abstract

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  • Caroline Van Cauwenbergh - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • D. Nerinckx - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • L. Spielberg - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • L. Hebbelinck - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • A. Vandesteene - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • E. Van De Ginste - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • W. Schrauwen - Department of Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • I. Joniau - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • L. Wouters - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B
  • B. P. Leroy - Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University & Ghent University Hospital, Ghent/B

Artificial Vision 2019. Aachen, 13.-14.12.2019. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2019. Doc19artvis28

doi: 10.3205/19artvis28, urn:nbn:de:0183-19artvis282

Published: December 10, 2019

© 2019 Van Cauwenbergh et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. See license information at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Outline

Text

Objective: To evaluate the surgical procedure and rehabilitation outcomes of the first Belgian Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System implantation in a patient with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa.

Materials and methods: Surgical procedure included suture of extraocular components onto the sclera, and coverage of the coil and antenna by a scleral flap. A scleral graft was sutured over the sclerotomy made to introduce the electrode array. Tacking and positioning of the electrode array was monitored by intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Monthly assessments included complete ophthalmic examination, OCT and fundoscopy. Two weeks post-surgery, the device was activated. The patient underwent (n=11) rehabilitation and (n=10) orientation and mobility (O&M) sessions.

Results: No serious adverse events were reported. The distance between the electrode array and the retina surface remained stable (175 µm). During rehabilitation, the patient mastered the micro-scanning technique (e.g. reading letters), and the macro-scanning technique (e.g. seeing doorframes). During O&M sessions, the patient could recognise highly-contrasting shapes (e.g. zebra crossing).

Discussion: The implant is well tolerated and the electrode array position remains stable. The patient has improved visual function, allowing to perform several visual tasks.