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Title

First Belgian Argus II retinal prosthesis implantation and rehabilitation: Six-month outcomes

Purpose	To evaluate the surgical procedure & rehabilitation outcomes of the first Belgian Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System implantation in a blind patient with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa.
Methods	The patient (age 72 years) was selected after pre-operative retinal assessment, counselling, and management of expectations. Surgical procedure included suture of extraocular components onto the sclera, and coverage of the coil & antenna by a human scleral graft. A scleral graft was also sutured over the sclerotomy made to introduce the electrode array in the posterior segment . Tacking & positioning of the electrode array on the retina was monitored by intraoperative OCT. Monthly assessments included complete ophthalmic examination, OCT & fundus photography. Two weeks post-surgery, the device was activated. The patient underwent (n=11) rehabilitation and (n=10) orientation and mobility (O&M) sessions.
Results	No serious adverse events occurred. The distance between the electrode array & the retinal surface remained stable (175 µm). During rehabilitation, the patient mastered the micro-scanning technique (e.g. reading 5cm letters), and the macro-scanning technique (e.g. seeing doorframes). During O&M sessions, the patient could recognise highly-contrasting shapes (e.g. zebra crossing ), and could cross the street .
Conclusion	No serious adverse events were seen during the six months after the implantation of the Argus II device. The implant is well tolerated and the electrode array remains stable on the retina . The patient's visual function has improved, permitting performance of several visual tasks and increasing autonomy both in- and outdoors.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	NERINCKX
Initials	F
Department	UZ GENT
City	GENT

Authors 2

Last name	VAN CAUWENBERGH
Initials	C
Department	UZ GENT
City	GENT

Authors 3

Last name	SPIELBERG
Initials	L
Department	UZ GENT
City	GENT

Authors 4

Last name	JONIAU
Initials	I
Department	UZ GENT
City	GENT

Authors 5

Last name	WOUTERS
Initials	L
Department	UZ GENT
City	GENT

Authors 6

Last name	LEROY
Initials	BP
Department	UZ GENT
City	GENT