Extraction of retinal tacks from subjects implanted with an epiretinal visual prosthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Retinal tacks, first developed for the treatment of complex retinal detachments, have more recently been used for the fixation of epiretinal electrode arrays as part of implanted visual prostheses. Here, we report on the clinical experience of extracting four such tacks after chronic implantation. The ability to safely extract retinal tacks ensures that epiretinal devices can be repositioned or removed if necessary.

Methods

Custom-built, titanium alloy retinal tacks were mechanically removed from the posterior coats after prolonged implantation (up to 19 months). The resulting wound was characterized by clinical evaluation, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography while being monitored for stability over time. The wounds were also compared to earlier publis

SUBMITTER: de Juan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3893278 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature