Surgical Roundtable Case 4: Implanting a Subretinal Photovoltaic Prosthesis - Summary - MDSpire
Advertisement
Surgical Roundtable Case 4: Implanting a Subretinal Photovoltaic Prosthesis
Frank Brodie, MD, MBA, presents the surgical technique for subretinal placement of the PRIMA implant, an investigational therapy for advanced geographic atrophy.
To present the surgical technique for subretinal placement of the PRIMA implant, an investigational therapy for advanced geographic atrophy.
Approach:
Surgical Technique Overview: The PRIMA subretinal implant is designed for vision restoration in geographic atrophy (GA) by creating a subretinal bleb and inserting a photovoltaic implant that converts light into electrical signals.
Surgical Procedure: The procedure involves vitrectomy, creating a retinotomy, and inserting the implant using a Flex Loop or soft-tip cannula, with careful management of the subretinal bleb.
Key Findings:
The pivotal trial PRIMAvera showed significant vision improvement in patients with GA, as reported by Dr. Brodie.
80% of patients who were 20/400 or worse were able to read letters and numbers post-implantation, according to trial results.
The implant consists of 378 individual photo cells and is designed to work with infrared goggles.
Interpretation:
Dr. Brodie suggested that the technology may have broader applications for other retinal atrophies, such as Stargardt disease and potentially retinitis pigmentosa.
Limitations:
The study had instances of macular holes, indicating the need for careful preoperative planning, as noted in the trial.
The technology requires intact inner retina anatomy for effective use, based on study findings.
Conclusion:
The PRIMA implant represents a novel approach to restoring vision in patients with geographic atrophy, as indicated by the PRIMA trial results, and may be applicable to other retinal diseases.
