Cortigent Presents Promising 6-Year Study Results for Orion Visual Prosthesis at NANS 2026

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Vivani Medical's subsidiary Cortigent presented the results of a 6-year Early Feasibility Study of the Orion Visual Cortical Prosthesis System at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) annual meeting in Las Vegas. The Orion system uses advanced neurostimulation technology to deliver visual perception to blind patients by stimulating the visual cortex. The study results demonstrated the system's safety and reliability over 6 years, as well as its ability to improve visual function in all 6 subjects.

Why it matters

The Orion system represents a promising new approach to restoring vision for the blind by directly stimulating the visual cortex. If the technology continues to prove safe and effective in larger trials, it could significantly improve quality of life for many blind individuals by allowing them to regain some level of visual perception.

The details

The Orion system features a wirelessly powered and controlled implantable pulse generator connected to an array of 60 micro-electrodes designed for implantation on the surface of the visual cortex. A small processing unit worn on the belt converts a real-time video stream from a camera in specialized glasses into wireless commands to precisely stimulate neuron populations and elicit spots of light called phosphenes. After training, all 6 subjects in the study demonstrated improved visual function with the system turned on versus off.

• The study was conducted between January 2018 and March 2025.
• Subjects were implanted between January 2018 and January 2019.
• The study concluded in March 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The next step will be to plan a larger pivotal clinical trial intended to seek marketing approval for the Orion system, subject to discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.