UCLA

Purpose

We determine whether haptic feedback improves surgical performance and outcome during simulated a preretinal membrane peeling procedure.

Methods

A haptic-enabled virtual reality preretinal membrane peeling simulator was developed using a surgical cockpit with two multifinger haptic devices. Six subjects (three trained retina surgeons and three nonsurgeons) performed the preretinal membrane peeling surgical procedure using two modes of operation: visual and haptic feedback, and visual feedback only.

Results

Task completion time, tool tip path trajectory, tool-retina collision force, and retinal damage were all reduced with haptic feedback used and compared to modes where haptic feedback was disabled.

Conclusions

Haptic feedback improves efficiency and safety during preretinal membrane peeling simulation.

Translational relevance

These findings highlight the potential benefit of haptic feedback for improving performance and safety of vitreoretinal surgery.