Summary of the invention
However, the inventors of the present invention have found by long-term practice, in existing artificial retina, encapsulating structure is set
Loop electrode on metal shell is likely to draw unnecessary nerve stimulation, it is possible to have the face for leading to patient to take out
It jerks and waits side effects.Although above-mentioned mechanism is not fully apparent from yet at present, the inventors of the present invention speculate, in existing artificial retina
Implanted device in, since the loop electrode being arranged on electronic packing body is usually placed in the outside of eyeball and is likely to contact
Or close to eye or the muscle of face, therefore, in electro photoluminescence, stimulating electrode and loop electrode form stimulation circuit, flow through the thorn
The stimulated current for swashing circuit is likely to the nerve that the facial muscles close with eye are arrived in stimulation, and patient is thus caused face occur
The side effects such as twitch.
The present invention is completed in view of above-mentioned status, and its purpose is to provide a kind of inhibition face spasm etc. is unnecessary
The stimulating electrode structure and artificial retina of the artificial retina of neural stimulation.
For this purpose, an aspect of of the present present invention provides a kind of stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina, comprising: cardinal extremity is used for
Receive electrical stimulation signal;Stimulated side for being close to intraocular retina, and has multiple output electrical stimulation signals
Stimulating electrode;And electronic cable, the cardinal extremity and the stimulated side are connected, the electrical stimulation signal is via the electronics
Cable is transferred to the stimulated side from the cardinal extremity, is disposed with loop electrode in the electronic cable, by the electric wire
When cable passes through the epibulbar notch and enters in the vitreous chamber of the eyeball, the loop electrode is located at the vitreum
It is intracavitary.
In the present invention, it is disposed with loop electrode in electronic cable, and electronic cable is being passed through into epibulbar cut
Mouthful and enter eyeball vitreous chamber in when, loop electrode is located in the vitreous chamber of the eyeball, therefore, stimulating electrode structure
Loop electrode be restricted in the vitreous chamber of eyeball, and stimulation circuit is formed by by stimulating electrode and loop electrode and is kept away
The nerve fiber such as face nerve etc. for being possible to accidentally be stimulated is opened, thus, it is possible to inhibit stimulating electrode structure to cause tissue
Unnecessary nerve electric stimulation, it is ensured that artificial retina using safe.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the loop electrode court
To the inside of the eyeball.Thereby, it is possible to further ensure that stimulation circuit is formed by between stimulating electrode and loop electrode to be kept away
Widen the view the nerve of ball inner surface, to guarantee the stimulation safety of the implanted device of artificial retina.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the loop electrode cloth
It is equipped with multiple, and multiple loop electrode is spaced apart along the extending direction of the electronic cable.In such case
Under, multiple loop electrodes can be set on the extending direction of electronic cable, to improve the energy of the receiving electronics of loop electrode
Power.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, in the stimulated side,
It is additionally provided with through hole.Thereby, it is possible to follow closely etc. the stimulated side of stimulating electrode structure being fixed on retina for example, by medical titanium
It goes up and is close to retina.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the electronic cable packet
Include the contact conductor being electrically connected with the cardinal extremity and the stimulated side and the covering contact conductor has bio-compatibility
Flexible insulating layer.In this case, stimulating electrode structure can be made to enter in the eyeball of eyeball along epibulbar notch.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the flexible insulating layer
In flexible film-like.Thereby, it is possible to facilitate operation of the doctor to stimulating electrode structure, it is conveniently implanted to required implanting portion
Position.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the flexible insulating layer
It is constituted by least one of working as selected from silica gel, poly-, polyimides stupid to diformazan, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl alcohol.As a result, both
It can ensure the flexibility of stimulating electrode structure, can also guarantee the bio-compatibility of stimulating electrode structure.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the loop electrode
Area is greater than the area of the stimulating electrode.The ability for accommodating electronics thereby, it is possible to improve loop electrode.
In addition, in the stimulating electrode structure of artificial retina according to the present invention, optionally, the loop electrode by
At least one of work as selected from gold, platinum, titanium, iridium, titanium nitride, yttrium oxide and their alloy and constitutes.Thereby, it is possible to improve circuit
The service life and bio-compatibility of electrode.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a kind of artificial retina, comprising: implanted device, with above-mentioned artificial view
Stimulating electrode structure, electronic packing body and the receiving antenna of film, the stimulating electrode structure and the receiving antenna are all connected to
The electronic packing body;Photographic device is used to capture video image, and the video image is converted into visual signal;
Video process apparatus is connect with the photographic device, is had power supply and is handled the visual signal;And
Transmitting antenna, by the energy signal provided by the video process apparatus and treated that the visual signal is sent to is described
Receiving antenna, the received visual signal of institute is converted into the electro photoluminescence by the electronic packing body of the implanted device to be believed
Number, so that the stimulated side by the stimulating electrode structure carries out the gangliocyte of the retina or Beale's ganglion cells
It stimulates and generates light sensation.
In accordance with the invention it is possible to provide a kind of inhibition artificial retina of unnecessary neural stimulation such as face spasm
Stimulating electrode structure and artificial retina.
Specific embodiment
Hereinafter, explaining the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to attached drawing.In the following description, for identical
Component assign identical symbol, the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.Scheme in addition, attached drawing is only schematical, the mutual ruler of component
Very little shape of ratio or component etc. can be with actual difference.
Artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention can be adapted for retinal pigment degeneration (RP) and old age
Macular degeneration (AMD) visually impaired patient.Specifically, the implantation of artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention
Device 1 passes through the function of replacing impaired photosensory cell (cone cell, rod cell), and retains by patient intact bipolar
The pathways for vision such as cell, gangliocyte, to generate light sensation in cerebral cortex, the vision of patient is restored in part.In addition, artificial
The implanted device 1 of retina is readily applicable to other retinopathy and leads to the situation blinded, as long as in such view
The pathways for vision such as Beale's ganglion cells, gangliocyte can effectively be retained in film lesion.
The implanted device 1 that Fig. 1 shows artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention is mounted on eyeball 2
Schematic diagram.Fig. 2 shows the implanted devices 1 of artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention to be mounted on eyeball 2
Stereoscopic schematic diagram.Fig. 3 shows the state that stimulating electrode structure 12 involved in embodiments of the present invention fits in retina
Schematic diagram.In Fig. 2, for convenience of explanation, the Local map of receiving antenna 13 and the perspective view of eyeball 2 are depicted.
In the present embodiment, as depicted in figs. 1 and 2, artificial retina implanted device 1 mainly include matrix 10 and
Electronic packing body 11, stimulating electrode structure 12 and receiving antenna 13 on matrix 10 are set.In addition, the base in implanted device 1
Body 10 can be fixed on eyeball 2 by such as suture way, and stimulating electrode structure 12 can be via the notch 22 of eyeball 2
Into in the vitreous chamber of eyeball 2, and it is close to retina (referring to fig. 2).
Here, the notch 22 of eyeball 2 can extend along the peripheral direction (corneal limbus) of pupil 21.The length of notch 22 is not
Preferably too long, from the point of view of safety, the length of notch 22 is preferably 3mm to 10mm.In addition, between notch 22 and pupil 21
Distance is not particularly limited, such as notch 22 can be with pupil 21 at a distance of 3mm to 8mm.
Under normal circumstances, such as the patients such as retinal pigment degeneration (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), because
Retinal pigment degeneration (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the decline or death for causing photosensory cell, namely normal view
Feel that access is hindered because of the lesion of photosensory cell disease, can not will normally enter intraocular light and be transformed into electric signal, cause
Patient blinds.In the implanted device 1 of the artificial retina involved in present embodiment, the stimulation of stimulating electrode structure 12
12c (electrod-array 124) is held to generate electrical stimulation signal (such as providing Bipolar pulse current signal) to retinal ganglial cells
Or Beale's ganglion cells is stimulated (referring to Fig. 3).Since most of retinal pigment degeneration (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are suffered from
Other pathways for vision of person other than photosensory cell obtain intact reservation mostly, and therefore, gangliocyte or Beale's ganglion cells are pierced
After swashing, which is transferred to cerebral cortex via the intact downstream pathways for vision (optic nerve) of reservation and generates light sensation,
So as to partially restore the vision of patient.
In addition, although the stimulated side 12c that above example shows stimulating electrode structure 12 is fitted on retina,
It is that the implantation position of the stimulating electrode structure 12 of present embodiment is not limited to the example of above-mentioned " (epiretinal) on retina ".
In other example, the stimulated side 12c of stimulating electrode structure 12 can also be with the side of " (subretinal) under retina "
Formula arrangement namely stimulated side 12c can be arranged between photosensory cell and choroid.In addition, in some other example, stimulation
The stimulated side 12c of electrode structure 12 can also be arranged under choroid, and between choroid and sclera.
Referring again to FIGS. 1, as shown in Figure 1, matrix 10 can be in non-loop-like.In other words, matrix 10 not entirely around
The ring-type of eyeball 2 and closure, but only cover the shape of the non-closed loop of a part of eyeball 2.Matrix 10 is covered on outside eyeball 2 simultaneously
It is fixed on eyeball 2.
In the present embodiment, matrix 10 can be fixed on eyeball 2 in a manner of suturing or be bonded.Specifically, one
In a little examples, matrix 10 can pass through the sewing hole on matrix 10 by way of suture and be sutured in outside the sclera of eyeball 2, from
And it is fixed on the outer surface of eyeball 2.In other example, matrix 10 can be by way of bonding for example by matrix
Biogum etc. is coated between 10 and eyeball 2 and is fixed on the outer surface of eyeball 2.
In addition, in some instances, 10 shape of matrix can be about the band-like of quarter circular arc, i.e. matrix 10 is along having in mind
The outer surface of ball 2 is in band-like extension.It in some instances, can be along big with the peripheral direction of pupil 21 in band-like matrix 10
Cause parallel direction be arranged in eyeball 2 outer surface namely band-like matrix 10 it is substantially flat along the peripheral direction with pupil 21
Capable direction extends.
Preferably, matrix 10 can be matched with the outer profile of eyeball 2.Thereby, it is possible to be fitted in the seamless unoccupied place of matrix 10
The outer surface of eyeball 2 and the outer surface for being fixed on eyeball 2.Specifically, the matrix 10 for being fixed on the outer surface of eyeball 2 can be with
With the outer profile Curvature Matching of eyeball 2.Here, the curvature for being fixed with the outer profile of eyeball 2 is, for example, close to the maximum straight of eyeball 2
The curvature of path portion.
In addition, in the present embodiment, matrix 10 is insulator.The constituent material of matrix 10 is not particularly limited, can be with
It is made of silica gel etc..For example, matrix 10 can be formed by silica gel injection molding.In this case, since silica gel has well
Flexibility and bio-compatibility therefore matrix 10 can be made more preferably to fit in eyeball 2 and be suitable for being chronically implanted within the eye.
In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, electronic packing body 11 is installed on matrix 10.In some instances, such as
The gum cover for installing electronic packing body 11 is provided on matrix 10, electronic packing body 11 is installed on by being placed in the gum cover
On matrix 10, the gum cover can cover at least a part of electronic packing body 11 at this time.Further, in order to by Electronic Packaging
Body 11 is fixedly mounted on matrix 10, can also be coated between electronic packing body and matrix 10 viscous with bio-compatibility
Connect agent.Here, bonding agent is not particularly limited, and can be silicone resin, epoxy resin etc..
In addition, electronic packing body 11 involved in present embodiment at least has the processing circuit for handling electric signal
(not shown).Specifically, electronic packing body 11 may include seal casinghousing 11a and the base that is contained in seal casinghousing 11a
Plate 11b (referring to the Fig. 7 being described later on).In some instances, seal casinghousing 11a by the good metal of bio-compatibility for example
Titanium, titanium alloy etc. are constituted, and are consequently formed and are had both air-tightness and the good shell of bio-compatibility, to be conducive to seal casinghousing 11a
It is chronically implanted within the eye.
In addition, in some instances, the substrate 11b being contained in seal casinghousing 11a may include printed circuit board (PCB)
And electronic components and the specific integrated circuit (ASIC), miniature processing such as resistance, inductance, the capacitor of setting on a printed circuit
Device etc., thus substrate 11b is formed with the above-mentioned processing circuit having for handling electric signal.
In the present embodiment, the shape of seal casinghousing 10 is preferably cylindric, but present embodiment is not limited to this,
In some examples, the shape of seal casinghousing 10 can also be in flat column.In addition, the shape of seal casinghousing 10 can also use other
Suitable shape.
In addition, in some instances, the bottom of seal casinghousing 10 has multiple feed-through holes and fills multiple feed-through holes
Multiple feed through pole (not shown).These feed through pole and the cardinal extremity 12a for the stimulating electrode structure 12 being described later on (are specifically welded
Disk array 125) electrical connection.In the present embodiment, the quantity of the feed through pole of electronic packing body 1 includes stimulating electrode structure 12
The electrod-array 124 of stimulated side 12c quantity (alternatively referred to as " electrode stimulating channel ") and the loop electrode 120 that is described later on
Quantity.
In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, receiving antenna 13 can be embedded in the inside of matrix 10.That is, receiving day
Line 13 is embedded to the inside of matrix 10, to enable receiving antenna 13 and external electrical insulation, it is ensured that receiving antenna 13 can
By property.
In addition, receiving antenna 13 is 2 D-coil made of being wound as metal wire.In the above example, when matrix 10 is in
When banded structure, receiving antenna 13 is arranged along band-like extending direction, thus, it is possible to improve the area coil of receiving antenna 13,
Improve the receiving efficiency of receiving antenna 13.
In addition, the wire coil of receiving antenna 13 is preferably made by gold etc. from the point of view of efficiency of transmission and bio-compatibility
At.It in addition, the winding method of receiving antenna 16 is not particularly limited, such as can be the 2 D-coil wound in the shape of a spiral.
In addition, the receiving antenna 13 as 2 D-coil can match with the curvature of matrix 10.That is, in this embodiment party
In formula, matrix 10 is covered on the outer surface of eyeball 2 in a manner of matching the curvature of eyeball 2.In this case, receiving antenna
13 also correspondingly follow matrix 10 to be bent.Design in this way, even if being equipped with implanted device 1 involved in present embodiment
Patient when in use left-right rotation eyes and slightly move the position of matrix 10, receiving antenna 13 can also be efficiently received by
The external signal of transmitting antenna 33 (referring to the Fig. 9 being described later on) transmission.
In addition, in the present embodiment, receiving antenna 13 for example can be from external device (tool by way of wireless coupling
Body is the transmitting antenna 33 being described later on) receive energy signal and data-signal.These energy signals or data-signal (including figure
As information) it is received after antenna 13 receives, it is transferred into electronic packing body 11.In this case, inside electronic packing body 11
Processing circuit obtain above-mentioned energy signal and handled as power supply, and to received data signal, thus produce
The raw electrical stimulation signal that can be used in stimulating the gangliocyte of retina or Beale's ganglion cells.
As described above, electronic packing body 11 is electrically connected with stimulating electrode structure 12 and receiving antenna 13, form as a result,
Access is electrically connected to stimulating electrode structure 13 again from receiving antenna 13 to electronic packing body 11.In some instances, stimulating electrode
Structure 12 (cardinal extremity 12a) and receiving antenna 13 can be respectively distributed to the two sides of such as ribbon base 10.By making stimulating electrode
Structure 12 (cardinal extremity 12a) and receiving antenna 13 are distributed in the two sides of matrix 10, are able to suppress receiving antenna 13 and electronic packing body
Interference between 11 (especially internal circuits).
In electronic packing body 11, electronic packing body 11 by the signal received by the receiving antenna 13, (such as believe by data
Number) it is converted into electrical stimulation signal.The electrical stimulation signal is transferred into stimulating electrode structure 12 via above-mentioned feed through pole, thorn
Swash electrode structure 12 and electrical stimulation signal is reached into stimulated side 12c via electronic cable 12b from cardinal extremity 12a, passes through fitting as a result,
Gangliocyte or Beale's ganglion cells are stimulated in the stimulated side 12c of retina, so that patient be made to generate light sensation.
Hereinafter, being illustrated in more details to stimulating electrode structure 12 involved in present embodiment.Fig. 4 shows this hair
Three-dimensional structure diagram when the stimulating electrode structure 12 of the implanted device 1 of artificial retina involved in bright embodiment is unfolded.
Fig. 5 show artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention stimulating electrode structure side (hereinafter referred to as " back side ",
D2 referring to fig. 4) schematic diagram.Fig. 6 shows the stimulating electrode knot of artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention
The schematic diagram of the structure other side (hereinafter referred to as " face side ", D1 referring to fig. 2).Fig. 7 is shown involved by embodiments of the present invention
Artificial retina stimulating electrode structure section schematic diagram.
In fig. 5 and fig., for convenience of explanation, electronic packing body 11 is omitted in diagram.In addition, in the present specification,
The side including electrod-array 124 for enabling stimulating electrode structure 12 is " face side " i.e. D1, and the other side (includes loop electrode
120 side) it is " back side " D2.
In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, stimulating electrode structure 12 include cardinal extremity 12a, electronic cable 12b and
Stimulated side 12c.Specifically, cardinal extremity 12a and stimulated side 12c are separately positioned on the both ends of stimulating electrode structure 12, electronic cable
12b connection (electrical connection) cardinal extremity 12a and stimulated side 12c.In this case, electrical stimulation signal energy received by cardinal extremity 12a
It is enough successfully to pass to stimulated side 12c from cardinal extremity 12a along electronic cable 12b, thus the gangliocyte or bipolar to retina
Cell is stimulated.
As shown in figure 4, the cardinal extremity 12a of stimulating electrode structure 12 is connect with electronic packing body 11.Specifically, institute as above
State, in some instances, the pad array 125 of the cardinal extremity 12a of stimulating electrode structure 12 and the feed through pole of electronic packing body 11
Connection.In addition, the electronic cable 12b and stimulated side 12c of stimulating electrode structure 12 are fixed with electronic packing body 11 from matrix 10
It draws position.
In some instances, stimulating electrode structure 12 can be in long strip.Further, in some instances, strip
Stimulating electrode structure 12 can be generally normal with the extending direction of band-like matrix 10.In this case, by by matrix
10 is mutually orthogonal with stimulating electrode structure 12, can not only save implantation space, and pass through fixation of the matrix 10 on eyeball 2
Position can also limit the implantation orientation and position of stimulating electrode structure 12 substantially.
In the present embodiment, after on the outer surface that matrix 10 is for example fixed on eyeball 2 by way of suture,
Stimulating electrode structure 12 can enter the position to be implanted into such as macular area (in retina via the notch 22 on eyeball 2
It entreats recessed).
Here, the pad 125a quantity of the pad array 125 of cardinal extremity 12a is not particularly limited, such as can be in 5 rows 4
Arrange the pad array 125 with 20 pad 125a of arrangement (referring to Fig. 5).Pass through the pad array 125 of cardinal extremity 12a, stimulation
The cardinal extremity 12a of electrode structure 12 can be connect with the feed through pole of electronic packing body 11, and thereby, it is possible to will be by electronic packing body 11
Treated, and signal is successfully transferred to stimulating electrode structure 12.
In addition, the quantity of pad array 125 should include the number of electrodes and loop electrode of above-mentioned electrod-array 124
120 number of electrodes.In other words, the quantity of pad array 125 should be greater than or equal to the number of electrodes of electrod-array 124 and return
The sum of the number of electrodes of path electrode 120.
As described above, cardinal extremity 12a can be used for receiving electrical stimulation signal in stimulating electrode structure 12.Specifically, such as
Shown in Fig. 5, cardinal extremity 12a be can have for receiving the electrical stimulation signal exported by electronic packing body 11 (such as two-way electric current
Pulse signal) pad array 125.That is, the pad array 125 of cardinal extremity 12a is electrically connected with electronic packing body 11, and receive from
The stimulus signal (such as current impulse) that electronic packing body 11 is sent.In some instances, cardinal extremity 12a can be made as rectangle or
The flakes such as circle.
In addition, the stimulated side 12c of stimulating electrode structure 12 may include the electrode array for being placed with multiple stimulating electrode 124a
Column 124 (referring to Fig. 6).Here, the quantity of the stimulating electrode 124a in electrod-array 124 is not particularly limited, such as can be
In 16 stimulating electrode 124a of 4 rows 4 column arrangement.
In the present embodiment, the constituent material of stimulating electrode 124a is not particularly limited, such as electrode 124a can be by
At least one of work as selected from gold, platinum, iridium and its alloy and constitutes.
In addition, as shown in fig. 6, stimulated side 12c is also provided with through hole 126.That is, through hole 126 has run through thorn
Swash end 12c, passes through the through hole 126 for 12 (mainly stimulated side of stimulating electrode structure using such as medical titanium nail as a result,
Implantation position such as macular area 12c) being fixed in eyeball 2, and it is close to retina.
In addition, stimulating electrode structure 12 has pliability.In this case, stimulating electrode structure 12 can be easily curved
Roll over simultaneously via the notch of eyeball 2 22 enter eyeball 2 vitreum 23 it is intracavitary, be close to implantation position such as macular area (referring to
Fig. 8 being described later on).
In the present embodiment, electronic cable 12b include the contact conductor being electrically connected with cardinal extremity 12a and stimulated side 12c, with
And cover the flexible insulating layer with bio-compatibility of the contact conductor (referring to Fig. 7).The contact conductor will be for that will stimulate letter
Number stimulated side 12c is transmitted to from cardinal extremity 12a.On the other hand, contact conductor is wrapped in wherein by flexible insulating layer, and electrode is avoided to draw
Other of line and eyeball location contacts.
In addition, flexible insulating layer is in flexible film-like.In some instances, flexible insulating layer can be used as supporting body, and
And it can also extend to carry the contact conductor in stimulating electrode structure 12, electrod-array 124 and pad array 125.That is, thorn
The main body for swashing electrode structure 12 is made of flexible insulating layer, and contact conductor, electrod-array 124 and pad array 125 are by flexible exhausted
Edge layer covering, and electrod-array 124 and pad array 125 are exposed to flexible insulating layer.
In some instances, electrod-array 124 can be set stimulating electrode structure 12 face side (referring to fig. 4
D1), and the back side (D2 referring to fig. 4) in stimulating electrode structure 12 can be set in loop electrode 120.That is, electrod-array
124 and loop electrode 120 be located at two opposite surfaces of stimulating electrode structure 12.However, present embodiment and unlimited
In this, in other example, such as electrod-array 124 and loop electrode 120 can also be located at the same side.
In addition, flexible insulating layer involved in present embodiment can be by being selected from dimethyl silicone polymer (PDMS), polychlorostyrene
For paraxylene (Parylene C), polyimides (Polyimide) when at least one of constitute.
As described above, when the implanted device 1 of the artificial retina of present embodiment is implanted in eyeball, stimulated side 12c
The vitreum 23 for entering eyeball 2 via the notch 22 on eyeball 2 is intracavitary, so that stimulated side 12c is close to the view in eyeball 2
Film (referring to Fig. 3).The electrod-array 124 of stimulated side 12c can be close to the retina in eyeball 2 as a result, and can be to view
The gangliocyte of nethike embrane or Beale's ganglion cells provide electrical stimulation signal and are stimulated.
In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, loop electrode 120 can be disposed with multiple, and multiple circuits
Electrode 120 can be spaced apart along the extending direction of electronic cable 12b.For example, in some instances, in stimulating electrode structure
On 12 electronic cable 12b, there are three loop electrode, that is, loop electrode 121, loop electrode 122 and loop electrodes 123 for setting.Separately
Outside, these three loop electrodes 121,122,123 are spaced apart along the extending direction of electronic cable 12b.
As described above, loop electrode 120 (loop electrode 121, loop electrode 122 and loop electrode 123) is also via electronics
The feed through pole of packaging body 11 and be electrically connected with electronic packing body 11.In this case, when needing the neuromere to retina
When cell or Beale's ganglion cells are stimulated, the stimulating electrode 124a of stimulating electrode structure 12 can be formed with loop electrode 120 to be pierced
Swash circuit.
In the present embodiment, loop electrode 120 is covered by above-mentioned flexible insulating layer, and loop electrode 120 is (in this reality
Apply loop electrode 121,122,123 in mode) it is exposed to flexible insulating layer.
In addition, in some instances, the loop electrode 120 intracavitary into the vitreum 23 of eyeball 2 can be towards eyeball 2
Inside.That is, loop electrode 120 is distributed in the side (back side) on electronic cable 12b far from retina.In such case
Under, the loop electrode 120 far from retina is able to suppress logical with stimulating electrode 124a formation stimulation near retina
Road, thus, it is possible to inhibit loop electrode 120 and stimulating electrode 124a is formed by stimulation access to retina other positions not
Good influence, thereby, it is possible to improve the effect of stimulation to gangliocyte or Beale's ganglion cells.
In addition, the area of loop electrode 120 can be greater than the area of stimulating electrode 124a.In this case, circuit electricity
The area of pole 120 is greater than the area of stimulating electrode 124a, and thus, it is possible to be formed to stimulate in loop electrode 120 and stimulating electrode 124a
The ability that loop electrode accommodates electronics is improved when access.
In addition, loop electrode 120 can be by gold, platinum, titanium, iridium, titanium nitride, yttrium oxide and their alloy
At least one is constituted.In this case, the service life and bio-compatibility of loop electrode 120 be can be improved.
In addition, in some instances, loop electrode 121, loop electrode 122 and circuit in electronic cable 12b is arranged in
Electrode 123 can independently work, that is, be used as mutually independent loop electrode.In addition.In other example, setting exists
Loop electrode 121, loop electrode 122 in electronic cable 12b can connect with loop electrode 123 and form the circuit being connected
Electrode 120.Thereby, it is possible to further increase the electronics carrying capacity of loop electrode 120.
The stimulating electrode structure 12 that Fig. 8 shows artificial retina 1 involved in embodiments of the present invention is implanted to eye
Status diagram in ball 2.
In the implanted device 1 of the artificial retina involved in present embodiment, as shown in figure 8, by electronic packing body 11
The stimulus signal (such as double current impulsing signal) of generation is thin to ganglia retinae via such as stimulating electrode structure 12
Born of the same parents or Beale's ganglion cells stimulate, and thereby, it is possible to replace causing retina due to retinal pigment degeneration and age-related macular degeneration
The function of the photosensory cell of damage partly restores the vision of patient.
In the present embodiment, on electronic cable 12b, it is disposed with loop electrode 120.It is passed through by electronic cable 12b
Notch 22 on eyeball 2 and when entering in eyeball 2, the vitreum 23 that loop electrode 120 is located at eyeball 2 is intracavitary.Wherein, in Fig. 8
Symbol S indicate the approximate location of loop electrode 120.
Specifically, being arranged in the electronics of stimulating electrode structure 12 when stimulating electrode structure 12 to be implanted in eyeball 2
The vitreum 23 that loop electrode 120 on cable 12b is located at eyeball 2 is intracavitary.That is, by the stimulation of stimulating electrode structure 12
When end 12c is fixed on retina and is close to retina, the loop electrode 120 being arranged on electronic cable 12b (is specifically included back
Path electrode 121, loop electrode 122 and loop electrode 123) be located at eyeball 2 vitreum 23 it is intracavitary.Due to stimulating electrode structure 12
Stimulated side 12c also be located in eyeball 2 close to the position of retina, therefore, by the stimulated side 12c (electricity of stimulating electrode structure 12
Pole array 124) to be limited in 2 vitreum 23 of eyeball substantially intracavitary for the stimulation circuit that is formed with loop electrode 120, and by stimulating
Electrode and loop electrode are formed by stimulation circuit and avoid the nerve fiber such as face nerve etc. for being possible to accidentally be stimulated, by
This is able to suppress stimulating electrode structure and causes unnecessary nerve electric stimulation to tissue, it is ensured that artificial retina using safe.
In the present embodiment, the stimulated side 12c comprising stimulating electrode 124a of stimulating electrode structure 1 is placed on view
The implant site of film is for example close to fovea centralis.
It is generally believed that each receptor of retinal centre recess is connected with an individual Beale's ganglion cells, and it is somebody's turn to do
Beale's ganglion cells is connected with an individual gangliocyte again.Therefore, each cone cell of foveal area has one
The access of brain is directly arrived, this access provides the exact position of input to brain.It therefore, will be involved in present embodiment
The stimulated side 12c of stimulating electrode structure 12 fits in foveal region of retina domain, can more efficiently improve stimulating electrode knot
Stimulation efficiency of the structure to retina.
In addition, the electrod-array 124 being made of multiple stimulating electrode 124a can for example be regarded with the implant site of retina
Curvature Matching near nethike embrane central fovea.In this case, multiple stimulating electrode 124a can be made preferably to paste with retina
It closes, significantly more efficient stimulation is generated to retina.
In general, the vitreum 23 in eyeball 2 is by colorless and transparent colloid before implanted device 1 carries out implant surgery
It constitutes.Vitreum 23 riddles between crystalline lens and retina, has the effects that dioptric, fixed retina.Due to vitreum 23
It is interior there is no blood vessel, needed for nutrition come from aqueous humor and choroid, therefore the metabolism of vitreum 23 is slow, cannot regenerate, if glass
Glass body 23 has defect, then its space will be filled by aqueous humor.Therefore, in some instances, in implant surgery on one side to vitreum
23 intracavitary vitreums are extracted injection substitute such as silicone oil on one side, then intraocular vitreum will be removed at this time, and
It is filled by the substitute injected in the space that the vitreum being removed leaves.It is postoperative soon by metabolism vitreum 23 is intracavitary will gradually
It is filled by aqueous humor.
After stimulating electrode structure 12 enters in eyeball 2 along the notch 22 of eyeball 2, the stimulation of stimulating electrode structure 12
End 12c is moved to the macular region of retina (here, surgical procedure omits).It then, will be through for example, by medical titanium nail etc.
On the fixed retina of stimulated side 12c and it will be close to retina by being arranged in the through hole 126 of stimulated side 12c, to stimulate
The electrod-array 124 of end 12c can be close to retina.As shown in figure 8, the electrod-array 124 of stimulated side 12c is bonded to Huang
Spot region (retinal centre recess).In some instances, stimulating electrode 124a can provide such as Bipolar pulse current signal
As electrical stimulation signal.Here, there is tissue fluid (such as rooms for the gap between postoperative stimulating electrode 124a and implant site
Water), the electrical stimulation signal provided by stimulating electrode 124a can be conducted via the tissue fluid and gangliocyte to retina or
Electro photoluminescence is carried out with the neighbouring Beale's ganglion cells of gangliocyte.After gangliocyte or Beale's ganglion cells are stimulated, it is formed by
Stimulus signal forms light sensation in cerebral cortex layer via pathways for vision.
In the present embodiment, the loop electrode of the stimulating electrode 124a and electronic cable 12b of one side stimulated side 12c
120 form stimulation circuits, so as to retina gangliocyte or Beale's ganglion cells carry out effective electro photoluminescence;Another party
Face, loop electrode 120 (specifically loop electrode 121, loop electrode 122 and loop electrode 123) are limited in the glass of eyeball 2
Body 23 is intracavitary, therefore, is returned by the stimulation that the loop electrode 120 of the stimulating electrode 124a and electronic cable 12b of stimulated side 12c are formed
Roadbed is originally limited in the intracavitary of the glass 23 of eyeball 2, the adverse effect example occurred thus, it is possible to prevent the prior art
Such as face spasm ill-effect.
Hereinafter, the production method for easily describing stimulating electrode structure 12 involved in present embodiment.It is retouched in following
In stating, for conventional microelectronics or MEMS manufacturing process, due to belonging to technology well known to those skilled in the art, at this
In repeat no more.
Firstly, being formed by conventional thin-film process for example by dimethyl silicone polymer (PDMS), Parylene C
(Parylene C) or polyimides (Polyimide) constitute basal layer (step S1).Here thin-film technique for example can be
Chemical vapor deposition etc..In step sl, the thickness of made basal layer is, for example, 10 μm to 100 μm.
Then, metal line (step S2) is formed on the base layer.It is for example wrapped in the method that basal layer forms metal line
It includes to form sputtering, plating or electroless plating, vapor deposition etc., then be etched to form specific wiring pattern.Here, wiring pattern
The distribution patterns of part for example including array body.
Then, on the basal layer with metal wiring pattern, again using formation such as thin-film techniques for example by poly- diformazan
Radical siloxane (PDMS), Parylene C (Parylene C) or polyimides (Polyimide) coating (step S3).
Then, aperture is formed in coating, the position for needing to form stimulating electrode is made to expose (step S4).Here, substrate
Layer is formed together flexible insulating layer with coating.
Finally, being formed by plating or electroless mode in the position for needing to form stimulating electrode has 3D shape
Stimulating electrode (step S5).Here, by control plating or electroless time, it can control three-dimensional stimulating electrode and be formed by
Electrode height.In general, can be formed by the formation time for being uniformly controlled all stimulating electrodes with roughly same height
Three-dimensional stimulating electrode.
Hereinafter, illustrating that stimulating electrode structure 2 involved in embodiments of the present invention is applied to the example of artificial retina.
Fig. 9 shows the schematic diagram of artificial retina involved in embodiments of the present invention.As shown in figure 9, as people
Work retina (sometimes referred to as " retinal prosthesis system "), other than the implanted device 1 of the above-mentioned artificial retina being previously mentioned,
It further include external part i.e. external device 3.That is, artificial retina (or " retinal prosthesis system ") includes artificial view
The implanted device 1 and external device 3 of film.In the artificial retina involved in present embodiment, implanted device 1 and external device
3 can couple via wireless mode.That is, the implanted device 1 of artificial retina and external device 3 can be via receiving antennas 11
It is coupled with transmitting antenna 33.
In the present embodiment, external device 3 includes photographic device 31, video process apparatus 32 and transmitting antenna 33.It takes the photograph
As device 31 is for capturing video image, and video image is converted into visual signal.In some instances, photographic device 31
It can be equipment with camera function such as video camera, camera etc..In addition, use for convenience, it can be by small volume
Camera Design on glasses, patient can also be by wearing light glasses with camera function as photographic device 31
To capture video image.In addition, photographic device 31 can also use GoogleEtc. realizing.
Video process apparatus 32 is connect with photographic device 31.Video process apparatus 32 has power supply.Such as the power supply
Energy can be transmitted to intracorporal implanted device 1 via the transmitting antenna being described later on by power supply, so that implanted device 1 is supplied
Electricity.In addition, being passed to video process apparatus by 31 captured image of photographic device.Video process apparatus 32 will be by photographic device 31
The visual signal of acquisition is handled.
By the energy signal provided by video process apparatus 32, visual signal (also referred to as " counts transmitting antenna 33 with treated
It is believed that number ") it is sent to the receiving antenna 11 of artificial retina implanted device 1.Then, receiving antenna 3 again will be by receiving antenna 11
Received data are transferred to subsequent electronic packing body and are handled, the electrical stimulation signal that will finally be generated by electronic packing body 12
Be transferred to the stimulating electrode 124a of electrod-array 124, so as to retina gangliocyte or Beale's ganglion cells pierce
Swash.
Although being illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments to the present invention above, it will be appreciated that above description
The invention is not limited in any way.Those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention may be used
To deform and change to the present invention as needed, these deformations and variation are within the scope of the present invention.