Chapter 3: What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery Page 58
In case stimulating one electrode at a time is determined to
be insufficient, the clinician may choose to stimulate groups
of fo
ur electrodes next to each other (called a “quad”) at the
same time. If the clinician chooses to use quad stimulation,
the clinical will divide the entire array into 15 quads arranged
in 3 rows of 5 columns. For people who need quad
stimulation, quad electrode stimulation usually results in
brighter perception than single electrode stimulation. Also, a
larger region of your array may become usable with quad
stimulation, resulting in a larger field of view. These features
may allow you to make better use of the device even if single
electrode stimulation gives you little vision.
CAUTION: Please note that the effect of using quad
stimulation compared to single electrode stimulation
was not specifically studied during the clinical trial.
Depending on your results, this initial programming may take
one visit lasting one to two hours, or it may take a few such
visits.
Preparing for Using the Argus II System at Home
Once your clinician downloads the programs to your VPU,
your clinician will turn on the VPU. You will then start to see
spots of light. Your clinician will then adjust the camera
position to line it up with how the implant is located inside
your eye.
You clinician will show you how to connect the glasses to the
VPU, how to operate the controls and switches on the VPU,
and how to understand the alarms and indicator lights. Your