Safe Tissue Manipulation in Retinal Microsurgery via Motorized Instruments with Force Sensing.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Robotics

Background:

• Retinal microsurgery requires precise force application, often below surgeon's tactile threshold.
• Excessive peeling forces during membrane removal can cause severe complications.
• Quantifying tool-tissue interaction forces is crucial for surgical safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an assistive method for retinal microsurgery that enhances safety during membrane peeling.
• To automatically control peeling forces using real-time force feedback.
• To prevent surgical complications by avoiding excessive tissue manipulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a motorized force-sensing micro-forceps tool equipped with fiber Bragg grating sensors.
• Developed an assistive system that automatically opens forceps and releases tissue based on detected peeling forces.
• Conducted peeling experiments using bandages to simulate membrane adhesion properties.

Main Results:

• The developed assistive method effectively maintained peeling forces within a safe range.
• The system demonstrated efficacy even with non-homogeneous adhesion properties of the membrane.
• Real-time force feedback enabled precise control during simulated microsurgical tasks.

Conclusions:

• The assistive force-sensing micro-forceps tool enhances safety in retinal membrane peeling.
• Automated force control is a viable strategy to prevent surgical complications.
• This technology has the potential to improve outcomes in delicate microsurgical procedures.