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Ethics of Electrode Implantation for a Neural Visual Prosthesis

This bibliography cites current literature incorporating the technical background and the ethical issues regarding the implantation of electrodes into the visual cortex of the brain to facilitate use of a prosthesis which can help improve sight. Included are citations regarding cochlear/ear implants which similarly utilize cortical implants to for a prosthesis to improve hearing loss, and so the discussion about issues regarding the cochlear implant can help frame the ethical concerns of the newer experimentation into visual prostheses. Other projects attempting to improve sight using a retinal implant are included as well, for these can be a useful comparative tool. Where possible, articles have been hyperlinked to their source.

 

Technical Background on the Implantation of Electrodes for a Visual Prosthesis

 

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Archambeau, C., et al. "Prediction of Visual Perceptions with Artificial Neural Networks in a Visual Prosthesis for the Blind." Artificial Intelligence in Medicine 32.3 (2004): 183-94.

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Clark, Graeme, et al. The University of Melbourne-Nucleus Multi-Electrode Cochlear Implant. Basel: Karger, 1987.
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Dobelle, W. H. and M. G. Mladejovsky. “Phosphenes Produced by Electrical Stimulation of Human Occipital Cortex, and Their Application to the Development of a Prosthesis for the Blind.” Journal of Physiology 243 (1974): 553-76.
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Eckmiller, Rolf, Michael Becker, and Ralph Huenermann. “Towards a Learning Retina Implant with Epiretinal Contacts.” Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics Vol. 4 (1999): IV396-IV399.

Eckmiller, Rolf, D. Neumann and O. Baruth. “Tunable Retina Encoders for Retina Implants: Why and How.” Journal of Neural Engineering. 2.1 (March 2005) S91-S104.

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Eggermont, J. J. “Neural Interaction in Cat Primary Auditory-cortex -- Dependence on Recording Depth, Electrode Separation, and Age.” Journal of Neurophysiology. 68 (1992): 1216-1228.
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Gerding, H. “A New Approach Towards a Minimal Invasive Retina Implant.” Journal of Neural Engineering. 4 (2007) S30-S37.

Greenberg, R. J. "Visual Prostheses: A Review." Neuromodulation 3.3 (2000): 161-5.
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Jensen, Ralph J. and Joseph F. Rizzo. “Thresholds for Activation of Rabbit Retinal Ganglion Cells with a Subretinal Electrode.” Experimental Eye Research 83:2 (2006): 367-373.
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Kanda, H., et al. “A Study on Electrical Stimulation to Visual Nervous System in Visual Prosthesis.” IECON Proceedings (Industrial Electronics Conference) Vol. 1 (2000): 108-113.

Kanda, Hiroyuki, et al. “Efficient Stimulation Inducing Neural Activity in Retinal Implant.” Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics Vol. 4. (1999): IV386-IV389. August 2006.

Kaneko H. et al. “Efficient Signal Processing of Multineuronal Activities for Neural Interface and Prosthesis.” Methods of Information in Medicine 46.2 (2007): 147.150.

Kao, G., P. Probert and D. Lee. “Object Recognition with FM Sonar: An Assistive Device for Blind and Visually-Impaired People.” AAAI Fall Symposium on Developing Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities MIT. Cambridge, MA, Nov. 9-11, 1996.

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Koch, K.P. “Neural Prostheses and Biomedical Microsystems in Neurological Rehabilitation.” Acta neurochirurgica. Supplement 97.Part 1 (2007) 427-34.

Korhonen, T. “A Method for Rapid Implantation of Multielectrode Systems.” Physiology & Behavior 49 (1991): 401-403.

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