Editor, S ince the first electrical stimulation of the retina in blind patients (Humayun et al. 1996), epiretinal prostheses to restore vision have been developed (Velikay-Parel et al. 2006). Epiretinal implants are commonly fixed to the posterior pole with a retinal tack (Majji et al. 1999; Walter et al. 1999). In order to provide the option for a later exchange with subsequent generations of implant, the removal of the implant should not cause substantial intraocular trauma. We therefore developed a new method for epiretinal implant fixation which should provide for firm fixation and allow an atraumatic explantation. The clinical stability of the new method and the feasibility of the implant explantation were tested in an experimental study in 11 Gottinger minipigs. This animal trial was approved by the Austrian legal authorities and the Medical University of Graz and the animals were treated according to the guidelines of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Surgical procedures for the implantation and explantation of epiretinal implant dummies (Fig. 1) were performed in sterile conditions under general anaesthesia. After combined vitrectomy with lensectomy, a retinal titanium tack was inserted at the posterior pole above the upper vessel arcade using a retinal forceps (Fig. 2) (Geuder AG, Heidelberg, Germany). Then, a limbus-based scleral flap was prepared on the upper temporal globe and the polyimide strip was introduced into the vitreous cavity through a 5-mm incision, 2 mm from the limbus. Intraocularly, the polyimide strip was grasped with an endoforceps and docked onto the tack (Fig. 3A). The retainer tool with the fixed silicone tube was docked onto the tack (Fig. 3B). The silicone tube was then released on the tack by squeezing the handle. Next, the extraocular portion was sutured to the sclera at the upper temporal quadrant and the scleral flap, vitrectomy ports and conjunctiva were sutured. Special care was taken to make a watertight wound closure. Immediately after the tack insertion a minor subretinal haemorrhage was observed in three of 11 eyes. After observation periods of 3– 8 weeks, the eyes were clinically examined and the implants subsequently explanted. In all eyes the implants had remained in place with no dislocation of the silicone tube. Pupillary membranes and vitreous strands were observed in all animals. In three of 11 animals, the retinal architecture remained unchanged, whereas in four animals vitreous strands caused localized traction