Artificial Silicon Retinas
Advanced Technology Ventures' Portfolio Company Optobionics Develops First
Artificial Silicon Retinas
Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers
WALTHAM, Mass. and PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 30,
2000--
First Artificial Silicon Retinas Implanted in Blind Patients this
Week; Surgical Team Led by Optobionics CEO Dr. Alan Chow
In a landmark medical procedure, the first Artificial Silicon
Retina (ASR(TM)), developed by Optobionics Corporation, an Advanced
Technology Ventures (ATV) portfolio company, was implanted in the eyes
of three blind patients this week. All three had lost most of their
vision from retinitis pigmentosa.
The first two surgeries took place at the University of Illinois
at Chicago Medical Center on Wednesday, and the third patient received
the implant on Thursday at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield,
Illinois. Dr. Alan Chow, President and CEO of Optobionics Corporation
of Wheaton, Illinois, led the surgical team, which also included Dr.
Gholam Peyman, Professor of Ophthalmology and Co-Director of
Vitreoretinal Surgery at Tulane University Medical Center; and Jose
Pulido, Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and
Visual Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The Artificial Silicon Retina, which contains approximately 3,500
microscopic solar cells that convert light into electrical impulses,
was invented by Dr. Alan Chow and his brother Vincent Chow,
Optobionics' Vice President of Engineering.
"These procedures represent an exciting medical breakthrough at
the intersection of silicon technology and health care," said Michael
A. Carusi, ATV General Partner and Optobionics Board member.
"Innovative advances in the area of medical devices strengthen my
belief that medical technologies will once again move center stage
with the investment community, further accelerating the development of
such cutting edge technologies as Optobionics' ASR."
One of three leading investors in Optobionics, ATV is a bi-coastal
venture capital firm with strategic investments in promising emerging
growth companies in the areas of Internet, communications and health
care technology.
--30--kms/bos*
CONTACT: ATV Press Contact:
The Portico Group
Donna Ruane
(781) 674-0192
druane@theporticogroup.com
or
Optobionics Press Contact:
Optobionics Corporation
Joanna Cannon
(650) 665-6050
KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY MEDICAL MEDICAL DEVICES
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Jun-30-2000 10:46 GMT
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