First Human Results With the 256 Channel Intelligent Micro Implant Eye (IMIE 256)

PURPOSE: To report on the safety and efficacy of the 256-channel Intelligent Micro Implant Eye epiretinal prosthesis system (IMIE 256). METHODS: The IMIE 256 implants were implanted in the right eyes of five subjects with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa. Following implantation, the subjects underwent visual rehabilitation training for 90 days, and their visual performance was evaluated using the grating visual acuity test, Tumbling E visual acuity test, direction of motion, square localization, and orientation and mobility test. To evaluate the safety of the IMIE 256, all adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Subjects performed significantly better on all evaluations with the IMIE 256 system on as compared with the performance at baseline or with the system off. There was a steady improvement in performance at each observation interval, indicating that the training and/or practice helped the subjects use the IMIE 256. There were two serious adverse events—electrode array movement and low intraocular pressure in one subject, which resolved with surgery. There were no other adverse events observed except those expected in the course of postoperative healing. CONCLUSIONS: These results show an improved safety and efficacy profile compared with that of the Argus II implant. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results in a larger number of subjects and over longer durations. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this study reports the first in-human data from a high-density (256 electrodes) epiretinal implant to restore sight to a subset of blind patients.