An Eye –opener- Artificial Silicon retina

Envisioning a bright future for patients with retinitis pigmentosa are artificial silicon retinas (ASR). The ASR consists of a silicon microchip about one- tenth of an inch in diameter and one – thousand of an inch thick. The device contains approximately 3,500 microscopic solar cells that convert light into electrical impulses. This would replace damaged photoceptors in the eye.

The first artificial silicon retinas were successfully implanted in July this year into the eyes of 3 patients (age 45 -75 yrs) who had almost total vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. The team of surgeons at the University of lllinosis, Chicago said that the microsurgical procedure took about 2 hours to complete. It involved making 3 tiny incisions into the corneas, First. A miniature cutting and vacuuming device was then used to remove the vitreous fluid in the middle of the eye and replaced with saline. Next, fluid was injected through a pinpoint opening in the retina ,creating a small pocket in the sub retinal space in which the artificial silicon retinas was inserted .Air was used to close the incision and reseal the retina over the artificial silicon retinas.

According to one of the surgeons Jos Pulido, MD one week post surgery the retinas remain attached and there were no signs of any side effects .It would seem that the procedure is feasible and safe.

Right now this phase 1 safety  study is limited to persons with retinitis pimentos’ but it may be possible to treat macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, sometime in the future with artificial silicon retinas.

Research on growing arteries inside body promising

For the tens of thousands of people requiring coronary artery bypass surgery each year help could be in the offing.

A technique developed by scientists in Brisbane, Australia has been used successfully in animals. In fact, according to researcher, Robert McGinley, Ph D humans’ trails are about a year away.

The technique, which allows for growing of arteries inside a patient’s body, involves inserting a tube into the body for several weeks allowing native tissue to grow around it before the tube is removed.