Our technology

Gennaris

Gennaris comprises a miniature camera worn by the user on custom designed headgear. High-resolution images from the camera are fed to a vision processor unit, which applies a number of signal processing techniques to extract the most useful features from the camera images. This new signal is fed – via a wireless transmitter – to up to 11 devices or 'tiles' that have been surgically implanted in the primary visual cortex of the brain. Each tile houses its own circuitry, wireless receiver and 43 hair-thin microelectrodes that stimulate the neurons in the primary visual cortex.

This stimulation evokes brief flashes of light known as 'phosphenes' in the visual field of the user, which the brain learns to interpret as images. The number of phosphenes depends upon the number of implanted electrodes. The first generation of Gennaris can support up to 473 electrodes. The device is implanted using standard neurosurgical techniques and will be externally adjustable after implantation for ongoing optimal performance.

Caption: Gennaris custom headgear designed by Monash Art Design and Architecture. This image is the property of Monash Art Design and Architecture (MADA). Reproduction is forbidden without the express permission of MADA.

Simulations of Gennaris-based vision

To assess the utility of Gennaris, MVG have developed an iPhone-based simulation of our Bionic Vision System that allows us to experience Gennaris as the first recipients will. This is based off our best-guess of where phosphenes will appear in the visual field, and how these phosphenes will look, based upon over 50 years of research in this field by academics across the world. Using this simulation, we have been able to recognise and pick up simple objects on tables, locate moving individuals in rooms, identify large gestures, and navigate obstacles. We believe that these capabilities are indicative of the capabilities of Gennaris in the first study participants.

Caption: various screens showing the iOS Bionic Vision stimulator developed by Monash Vision Group. Left images show configurable number of implants, right images show Virtual Reality mode, designed for use with a VR headset, simulating phosphenes. Reproduction is forbidden without the express permission of Monash Vision Group personnel

Hermetic encapsulation technology

To achieve patterned electrical stimulation of precise cortical layers, Monash Vision Group have developed an implantable device comprising a high-density penetrating electrode array, wireless data and power receiving circuitry and neurostimulator, all packaged within a hermetic capsule. The hermeticity and biocompatibility of this package allows our implants to remain functional for the lifetime of implant recipients.

These capsules are manufactured in our Clayton-based facilities. The capsules are customisable, with variations in electrode pitch, depth and type (penetrating or surface) all permitted by the current design.

Caption: Micro-machined feedthroughs in a ceramic plate (left). These feedthroughs have been designed and manufactured to achieve fully hermetic sealing, required for long-term implantation in the body. High magnification view of the penetrating electrode array (right), with electrodes etched and assembled in-house.

Intracortical microelectrode stimulation (IMS) platform

MVG have developed a two-electrode platform for stimulating neural tissue at with micron-precision depths. This platform is customisable with Pt/Ir or pure Iridium microelectrodes with ablated tips or annular stimulating surfaces. The platform is compatible with clinical-grade neural stimulators, connectors, microdrives and neurosurgical head frames. The system is intended to be used by clinicians to assessing human neural stimulation thresholds for different electrode types in patients already undergoing cortical resection.