INFLATABLE NEURAL PROSTHESIS

摘要

Neural prosthesis (10) for implantation within an eye. The prothesis includes a foldable substrate and at least one electronic component supported (16) by the substrate. At least one microchanel (18) is disposed within the substrate. Upon inflation, the foldable substrate will unfold to provide for close contact of the electronic component with neural tissue, thus facilitating surgical implantation through a narrow incision, yet allowing the unfolded device to cover a sufficiently large portion of the patient's retina to provide useful vision.