A flexible retinal device with CMOS smart electrodes fabricated on parylene C thin-film and bioceramic substrate

Abstract

Abstract We developed implementation technologies for artificial vision devices compatible with suprachoroidal transretinal stimulation. We aimed to develop a device that can be safely implanted in the sclera of the eye for a long period. Using parylene C and bioceramics as biocompatible base materials, we realized a device with high in vivo safety by making the device structure flexible and reducing the wires of control signals. We successfully created a prototype device that combines a flexible wire structure based on a parylene C thin film with a wire-saving CMOS smart electrode structure based on CMOS integrated circuits. We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm their performances. The immersion test confirmed that the device could work normally for four days. Furthermore, in the in vivo experiments using rats, we successfully measured evoked potentials in the brain induced by the stimulation current using the device.