The Bionics Institute of Australia

Centre for Eye Research Australia Limited

Epi-Minder Pty Ltd

Neurotrophincell Pty, Limited

Christopher Edward Williams

Owen Burns

Joel Villalobos Villa

Penelope Jayne Allen

Joel Villalobos

David Anthony Xeiss Nayagam

Peter John Blamey

Mark James Cook

Chua Vanessa Maxim

Alan Lai

Mohit Naresh Shivdasani

Stephen John Martin Skinner

Chi Luu

Robert Francis Elliott

Disclosed is electrical stimulation apparatus and an associated method for delivering therapy to an eye of a patient is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: an implantable device comprising one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic electrical stimulation to the eye, the implantable device being configured for implanting in a suprachoroidal space between the sclera and choroid layers of the eye. Also disclosed is electroretinography (ERG) apparatus for monitoring an eye of a patient, the apparatus comprising: an implantable device comprising one or more electrodes for monitoring properties of the eye, the implantable device being configured for implanting in a suprachoroidal space between the sclera and choroid layers of the eye. Also disclosed are implantable devices, apparatuses and methods for the eye.

Electrical apparatus and methods for an eye

Disclosed is electrical apparatus for stimulating and/or monitoring an eye of a patient, comprising an implantable electrode device and a lead extending outwardly from the implantable device, the lead including a section that locates externally to the eye having at least one pre-formed bend. Also disclosed is a lead connected to an implantable electrode device, the lead having one or more stripes that extend along at least a portion of the lead. Also disclosed is an implantable device having a substrate and at least one electrode, the electrode having at least one aperture through which material of the substrate extends to anchor the electrode to the substrate. Other disclosed features relate to a foldable anchor device, a curved electrode substrate and depth markers, for example.

An electrode device is disclosed that is removably implantable at least partially in a bone or other tissue. The electrode device includes a head and a shaft connected to the head. The shaft has a shaft body extending distally from the head in an axial direction of the shaft, and a conductive element including a conductive surface at a distal end of the shaft. A plurality of discrete anchor elements can project from an outer surface of the shaft body in a transverse direction of the shaft. A conductive wire can be permanently fixed to a proximal end surface of the conductive element, the end surface being located in or adjacent the head. The head can have a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. An electrode array and a reamer tool is also disclosed.

Electrode device for monitoring and/or stimulating activity in a subject

An anchor device is described that is adapted to support one or more conductors extending out of an opening in an outer surface of an eye, from a device implanted in the eye to a communications interface. The anchor device comprises a conductor receiving portion including a channel, the conductors being positionable through the channel; and a fixation portion connected to the conductor receiving portion, the fixation portion being adapted to be secured to the outer surface of the eye. The conductor receiving portion is configured to allow movement of the channel and/or conductors relative to the fixation portion. A visual prosthesis comprising the anchor device is also described, along with apparatus and methods for positioning the visual prosthesis or other types of implantable electrical apparatus.

Electrical apparatus and methods and apparatus for positioning and implanting components thereof

An electrode device is disclosed comprising: an elongate, implantable body comprising elastomeric material, a plurality of electrodes positioned along a length of the implantable body; an electrical connection comprising one or more conductive elements extending through the elastomeric material and electrically connecting to the electrodes; and a reinforcement device extending through the elastomeric material. The length of the implantable body is extendible by placing the implantable body under tension. The reinforcement device limits the degree by which the length of the implantable body can extend under tension. At least one of the electrodes can extend circumferentially around a portion of the implantable body. A delivery device and method of delivery for an electrode device is also disclosed.

A method and apparatus is described for electrically stimulating a patient's retina with an electrode array () implanted in the patient's eye, wherein one or more images are captured; at least one line and/or edge in the images is determined (), a line of electrodes in the electrode array corresponding to a detected line and/or edge is identified (); and electrical current is applied simultaneously to electrodes of the identified line of electrodes.

Method and apparatus for stimulating retinal nerve cells

A prosthesis is provided comprising a substrate having a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of electrodes located at or adjacent the distal end of the substrate. The distal end of the substrate is configured for insertion, via an incision, between first and second tissue layers, such as the sclera and choroid in the eye. The prosthesis tapers in thickness towards the distal end and has a substantially curved profile at least on one surface so that the prosthesis can be inserted into position without needing a guide and without causing damage to the tissue or the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an electrode interface unit located at or adjacent the proximal end of the substrate which locates between the tissue layers. An anchor portion can be provided that extends from the substrate into the incision.

Apparatus for stimulating and/or monitoring activity in tissue

A prosthesis is provided comprising a substrate having a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of electrodes located at or adjacent the distal end of the substrate. The distal end of the substrate is configured for insertion, via an incision, between first and second tissue layers, such as the sclera and choroid in the eye. The prosthesis tapers in thickness towards the distal end and has a substantially curved provide profile at least on one surface so that the prosthesis can be inserted into position without needing a guide and without causing damage to the tissue or the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an electrode interface unit located at or adjacent the proximal end of the substrate which locates between the tissue layers. An anchor portion can be provided that extends from the substrate into the incision.

Growing community of inventors

East Melbourne, Australia

Christopher Edward Williams