Retinal prosthesis and method of manufacturing a retinal prosthesis
An improved package and configuration for an implantable retinal prosthesis includes an electrode array suitable to be mounted in close proximity to a retina, an electronics package, and inductive receiving coil mounted next to each other on a strap surrounding the sclera so that the height above the sclera of the prosthesis is minimized.
1. A retinal prosthesis comprising:
an electrode array suitable to be mounted in close proximity to a retina;
a strap suitable for surrounding the sclera;
a hermetic, at least partially ceramic electronics package encasing active and passive electronics and mounted to said strap;
an electrical cable coupling said electrode array to said electronics package;
wherein said electrical cable is suitable to pierce the pars plana region of the sclera;
a secondary inductive data transmission coil mounted to said strap, coplanar with said electronics package, electrically coupled to said electronics package, band powering electronics in said electronics package:
said secondary coil suitable to be mounted on the lateral side of the sclera; and
wherein height above the sclera of said electronics package and said secondary inductive coil is minimized.
2. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , further comprising suture tabs connected to said secondary inductive coil suitable for attaching said secondary inductive coil to the sclera.
3. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , further comprising a suture tab connected to said electronics package suitable for attaching said electronics package to the sclera.
4. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , further comprising a fan tail connected to said secondary inductive coil and to said strap.
5. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , further comprising a hook on said prosthesis suitable for engaging a surgical tool.
6. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , further comprising a fan tail on said electrode array.
7. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein said cable and electrode array comprise metal traces sandwiched between thin polymer films.
8. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 7 , wherein said cable is folded to present the same side of said cable to both said electronics package and the retina.
9. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein said secondary inductive coil is a wound wire coil.
10. The retinal prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein said secondary inductive coil is oval shaped.