Visualization of active subretinal implants with external connections by high-resolution computed tomography

Florian Gekeler (1) , Andreas Kopp (2) , Helmut Sachs (3) , Dorothea Besch (1) , Udo Greppmaier (4) , Eberhart Zrenner (1) , Karl Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt (1) , Peter Szurman (1)

1 Centre for Ophthalmology, University of T�bingen
2 Department of Radiology, University of T�bingen
3 Klinikum Friedrichstadt, Dresden
4 Retina Implant AG, Reutlingen

Two patients carrying an active subretinal implant with extra-ocular parts were examined by high-resolution computed tomography. Cranial scans were acquired in primary position and in 9 additional directions of gaze with eyes open and closed to demonstrate the mobility of the eye ball and the implant within the orbital cavity. 3 D images were constructed to visualize the path of the implant from the retro-auricular around the lateral orbital rim through the orbita and within the subretinal space up to the device�s final para-foveal position. � Images were obtainable in high quality resulting in 3 D models illustrating all parts of the implant including the micro-photodiode array at the tip in the subretinal space. The implant followed eye movements in all directions of gaze, eye movements were only minimally restricted as described in previous publications. � Since all, except intra-ocular, parts of the implant evade direct examination computed tomography can help to assess technical integrity and the biocompatibility and biostability of retinal implants.

Mots clés: Retina; Orbit; Imaging; Prosthesis

Florian Gekeler, Andreas Kopp, Helmut Sachs, Dorothea Besch, Udo Greppmaier, et al.. Visualization of active subretinal implants with external connections by high-resolution computed tomography. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010, 94 (7), pp.843. ⟨10.1136/bjo.2009.170654⟩. ⟨hal-00557341⟩