Intracortical Visual Prosthesis Project (ICVP)

The goal of this research project is to develop an intracortical visual prosthesis (ICVP) that will compensate for blindness by stimulating the visual centers within the brain.

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.

Collaborators

This research project is a joint effort of Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Rush University Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, Sigenics, Microprobes, Johns Hopkins University, and The Chicago Lighthouse.

ICVP FAQ Page

See common questions and concerns.

Research Support

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.

Contact

Interested individuals should contact the study staff using the contact information below. You may be asked to fill out a pre-screening consent form so that your eligibility for the study can be further evaluated.

Phone Number: (312) 567-5304
Email: ICVP@iit.edu

Back to top