ROBOTIC OCULAR ULTRAMICROSURGERY

Background: There is an increasing need for improved microsurgical tec hniques in the eye. Delivery of small quantities of chemicals or cells into specific retinal locations, for example, cannot be achieved with hand-held instruments. The present paper describes the design princip les used in the development of a robotic ocular ultramicrosurgical sys tem and the results from preliminary animal trials. Methods: We have d eveloped a robotic ocular ultramicrosurgical system and a range of ins truments for specific intraocular applications. Results: We have succe ssfully used the system for intravascular (<70 mu m) drug delivery imp lantation of microdrainage devices and the intraretinal manipulation o f microelectrodes with minimal damage. Conclusion: A clinically usable system using the same principles appears feasible.