Filling in the visual gaps: shifting cortical activity using current steering

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Abstract

Cortical vision prostheses are being developed to restore sight in blind patients. Existing electrode arrays that electrically stimulate cortical tissue to artificially induce neural activity are difficult to position directly next to each other. Leaving space between implants creates gaps in the visual field where no visual percepts can be created. Here, we propose current steering as a solution to elicit a neural response between physical electrode locations. We assessed the centroid of neural activity produced by dual-electrode stimulation in the visual cortex of Sprague-Dawley rats. We determined that this centroid could be shifted between physical electrodes by altering the ratio of charge delivered to each electrode. This centroidal shift could enable better environmental perception for cortical implant patients by creating a complete visual field representation while maintaining safe array spacing.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
EditorsJoaquin Azpiroz, Roberto Lavarello
Place of PublicationPiscataway NJ USA
PublisherIEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages5733-5736
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781728111797, 9781728111780
ISBN (Print)9781728111803
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
EventInternational Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society 2021 - Online, Mexico
Duration: 1 Nov 20215 Nov 2021
Conference number: 43rd
https://embc.embs.org/2021/ (Website)
https://ieeexplore-ieee-org.ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/xpl/conhome/9629355/proceeding (Proceedings)

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual International Conference of the 2021 43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society (EMBC)
PublisherIEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ISSN (Print)2694-0604
ISSN (Electronic)2375-7477

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society 2021
Abbreviated titleEMBC 2021
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityOnline
Period1/11/215/11/21
Internet address

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