Design and Development of a Modified Retinal Tack Forceps for Epiretinal Prosthesis Fixation

Background: To provide a demonstration of the modified retinal tack forceps (RTF) for fixing the array of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (AIIRPS) on the retina using the leading hand of the surgeon in the test eye. Methods: A modified curved 19-gauge (G) RTF was tested during the fixation of an AIIRPS array on a dummy right eye by a right-handed surgeon. The test eye was placed in the right orbit of the dummy face with the use of an operative microscope. The RTF was tested on the left eye as well. A schematic description of the modified instrument was presented. Results: The modified RTF facilitated a well-controlled fixation of the AIIRPS array on the temporal retina of the right eye with the leading right hand of a right-handed surgeon. The curvature of the working part extended the distance to the distal lens of the viewing systems. The tacking of the array was performed successfully with the leading hand of the surgeon from the temporal and nasal sides on the right and left eye, respectively. Conclusions: The modified RTF facilitates a more controlled tacking using the leading hand of a right-handed surgeon during array fixation under experimental conditions. The forceps allowed easy access to the temporal retina with the leading hands of the surgeons. The accuracy of these results needs to be confirmed by future human studies.