Abstract: Objective To investigate the feasibility of one-step retinal puncture for the implantation of sub-retinal artificial vision films. Methods Twenty-four adult healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: the implantation group(12 rabbits) and the sham-implantation group(12 rabbits). A polyimide film was implanted into the subretinal space via direct retinal puncture after vitrectomy. The implanted film was removed half a minute later in the sham group. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography were taken 15, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. Results The polyimide film was implanted successfully into the sub-retinal space in all eyes. During the operation and the fellow-up period, there were no any film shift and surgical complications such as retinal detachment and intraocular hemorrhages in both groups. The retina over the film thinned in the implantation group in the late period, while normal thickness was kept in the sham group. Conclusion One-step retinal puncture could implant the artificial vision film into the sub-retinal space safely and effectively. This new method may be suitable for the short-term research of sub-retinal artificial vision.

Key words: subretinal, polyimide, rabbit, optical coherence tomography