Revolutionary Wireless Visual Prosthesis Brain Implant Marks Two Years of Successful Testing After Surgical Implantation
A first-of-its-kind artificial vision system celebrates two years of successful testing after surgical implantation in an individual with blindness, bringing with it the potential to provide artificial vision to people who have lost their sight
CHICAGO—April 8, 2024—The groundbreaking Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP), an implant that bypasses the retina and optic nerves to connect directly to the brain’s visual cortex, announces a significant milestone in the creation of artificial vision for individuals affected by total blindness: two years of successful clinical testing following the first successful surgical implantation of the ICVP system of miniaturized wireless stimulators and electrodes. On February 14, 2022, 25 stimulators with a total of 400 electrodes were surgically implanted in an individual with blindness, and in two years since, successful clinical testing has found the prosthesis provides study participants with an improved ability to navigate and perform basic, visually guided tasks. This milestone coincides with a period of heightened global attention towards brain-computer interface technologies, as underscored by recent developments like Elon Musk's Neuralink.
The ICVP system was developed by a multi-institution team led by Philip R. Troyk—executive director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology, professor of biomedical engineering—and represents the culmination of nearly three decades of Illinois Tech research dedicated to ultimately providing artificial sight to those with blindness due to eye disease or trauma.
The ICVP System is the first intracortical visual implant to use a group of fully implanted miniaturized wireless stimulators, allowing devices to be permanently implanted, which is a unique advantage that provides researchers ample time to explore how the device can effectively work, and for the recipient to learn how the device can be useful.
Illinois Tech's ICVP: A Beacon of Hope and Innovation
Two years ago, the world witnessed the first successful implementation of the ICVP, developed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Phil Troyk, executive director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Tech. Unlike other neurotechnologies focusing on neural implants for brain privacy and data concerns, the ICVP focuses on creating artificial vision by bypassing damaged optical pathways to directly stimulate the visual cortex.
Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Troyk shares, “The past two years have been nothing short of extraordinary. Witnessing the ICVP bring about a new form of visual perception to individuals with blindness has reinforced our commitment to this endeavor. Our focus remains steadfast on improving and understanding how this technology can further aid in navigation and performing daily visual tasks for those without biological vision.”
As global narratives around neurotech evolve, with significant discussions on the ethical, privacy, and regulatory implications highlighted by advancements in similar fields, Illinois Tech's ICVP project stands out for its dedicated approach to enhancing human life by enabling artificial vision without compromising on safety or ethical standards.
Embracing a Future Powered by Neurotechnology
The significance of ICVP's progress is further illuminated by the context of current neurotechnology discussions, particularly with Neuralink's entry into the realm of brain-computer interfaces. Dr. Troyk notes, “While it's encouraging to see more ventures exploring the possibilities within neurotechnology, it's crucial that these endeavors prioritize participant safety, data privacy, and the real-world application of these technologies. Our aim with the ICVP has always been to explore these frontiers responsibly, ensuring that our participants are at the heart of our research.”
Dr. Janet Szlyk, President and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the transformative impact of ICVP on participants. “The journey from the conceptualization to the current successes of the ICVP underscores the incredible potential of neurotechnology to enhance lives. It's a testament to what can be achieved when innovation is guided by a commitment to serving those who stand to benefit the most.”
A Call for Continued Innovation and Collaboration
As the ICVP moves forward, Illinois Tech is actively seeking new participants for ongoing studies, aiming to broaden the understanding and capabilities of artificial vision. This call for participation is not just an invitation to be part of cutting-edge scientific research but also a step towards building a more inclusive future where technological advancements pave the way for new forms of sensory experience.
Illinois Tech's pioneering work with ICVP, especially in the landscape of emerging neurotechnologies, positions the institution and its partners at the forefront of creating meaningful, ethical, and transformative solutions for individuals affected by total blindness. It underscores the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in science and technology, with a keen eye on the societal and ethical implications of these advancements.
Illinois Tech is collaborating with Rush University Medical Center, The Chicago Lighthouse, the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, the University of Texas at Dallas, Microprobes for Life Science, Sigenics Inc., and The University of Chicago on the initiative, with Troyk serving as the principal investigator.
The project is calling for research volunteers who lost their vision as an adult but who had normal or near-normal vision for at least the first 10 years of life. Following surgery and approximately one month of surgical recovery, participants will be studied for 1-3 years, depending on the date of implantation. Learn more at chicagolighthouse.org/requesticvp or email ICVP@iit.edu.
Disclaimer: Research reported in this publication was supported by the NIH (BRAIN) Initiative under Award Number UH3NS095557. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Photo: rendering of the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP) wireless implantable stimulator model provided by MicroProbes for Life Science. For high resolution images suitable for publication, please contact press@iit.edu.
Available for interview
Dr Philip Troyk, executive director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, professor of biomedical engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology
Dr Janet Szlyk, president and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse
Illinois Institute of Technology
Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.
Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering
The Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering (Pritzker Institute) is located on the campus of Illinois Tech (www.iit.edu) in the Chicago South Side neighborhood of Bronzeville. The Pritzker Institute was the brainchild of Robert Pritzker who, in the early 1980’s, envisioned a research organization that could bring technological advances to the clinic. In this respect, he was 20 years ahead of the eventual realization at the National Institutes of Health that translational research is an essential part of the United States medical research portfolio. The current mission of the Pritzker Institute is one of clinical translation by forming relationships between Illinois Tech and external entities to enable multidisciplinary research.
Chicago Lighthouse
The Chicago Lighthouse is a world-renowned social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. Recognized as a pioneer in innovation since 1906, The Chicago Lighthouse provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages.
Media contacts
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Aaron Baar
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The Chicago Lighthouse
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