Ocular Implant Infrared Nerve Stimulation Spatial Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for vision restoration in patients with retinal degenerative diseases like advanced macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are limited by the lack of spatial selectivity and biocompatibility issues with electrical stimulation, which leads to imprecise nerve stimulation and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of infrared nerve stimulation (INS) technology that employs pulsed infrared lasers to directly stimulate neural tissue next to the retina without physical contact, achieving high spatial selectivity and avoiding tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used to restore vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases, then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but spatial selectivity is poor and tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation using infrared light. Instead of using electrical fields that spread through tissue causing poor spatial selectivity and potential damage, the invention uses photons to directly stimulate retinal nerves with precise spatial control, eliminating the harmful effects of electrical current while maintaining effective nerve activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of stimulation from electrical to optical domain. By using infrared light at specific wavelengths, the system achieves superior spatial selectivity because light can be focused to precise locations on the retina without the lateral spread characteristic of electrical fields, thereby improving precision while reducing tissue damage risk
2Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used for vision restoration, then nerve activation is achieved, but the stimulation is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical stimulation for electrical stimulation to achieve precise targeting of retinal nerves. Optical methods allow for focal delivery of energy to specific neural elements without the volume conduction effects that limit precision in electrical stimulation, thereby improving both stimulation precision and reliability of visual restoration
3Measurement precision
If infrared nerve stimulation is used to stimulate retinal nerves, then spatial selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical waveguide as an intermediary component to deliver infrared light to the retina. The waveguide acts as a conduit that transmits optical energy from an external source through the eye to the retinal nerves, enabling precise spatial selectivity while keeping the implanted device itself relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical stimulation delivery systems with a simpler optical delivery system. By using infrared light and optical waveguides instead of electrical electrodes and complex circuitry, the invention achieves superior spatial selectivity with reduced device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise and effective stimulation of retinal nerves, potentially restoring vision with improved resolution and reduced risk of tissue damage, addressing the limitations of existing electrical stimulation methods.
Implementation Method 1
transmission of infrared nerve-stimulation light from an external stimulator array through the eye
Implementation Method 2
employes pulsed infrared lasers to directly stimulate neural tissue next to the retina
Data Source
AI summary
An improved prosthesis and method for stimulating vision nerves to obtain a vision sensation that is useful for the patient that has lost vision due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other diseases. The present invention utilizes infrared light to cause action potentials in the retinal nerves similar to those which result from rods and cones stimulated by visible light in healthy retinas. In some embodiments, the invention provides a pathway or “image pipe” for transmitting a stimulation pattern of infrared light from an external stimulator array through the eye and focusing the stimulation pattern of infrared light on the retina, especially the fovea. Some embodiments provide improved resolution down to a group of nerves, or even the individual nerve level, with sufficient energy density so as to cause a desired action potential.