Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) received a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), BRAIN Initiative to conduct an early feasibility study of an intracortical visual prothesis (ICVP).
The ICVP uses a group of miniature wireless implantable stimulator modules that can communicate image information captured by a video camera directly to the human brain. Each module, called a wireless floating microelectrode array (WFMA) receives its power and digital commands over a wireless link so that no wires or connectors cross the scalp. By sending commands to the WFMAs, camera images are communicated directly to brain, creating a crude visual perception of the image. While the perceptions will not be like normal vision, they may be of benefit to the user for performing visually guided tasks.
The ICVP project is presenting informational sessions for those who wish to learn more about this new technology. No trial candidates are being recruited at this time.
The second educational session will be held at The Chicago Lighthouse on Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Beatrice C. Mayer Senior Center.
The research reported in this publication is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders And Stroke of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UG3NS095557. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
