Robotic surgery - a new way to perform cataract surgery

Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of robot-assisted simulated cataract surgery Methods We performed cataract surgeries on a Kitaro cataract wet lab training system using simultaneously the DaVinci Xi robotic surgical system and a phacoemulsification system. For each procedure, duration and successful completion of the surgery with or without ocular complications were assessed. Results Procedures were successfully performed on 27 lens nuclei. Feasibility of robot-assisted simulated cataract surgery is confirmed. The DaVinci Xi system provided the intraocular dexterity and operative field visualization necessary to perform the main steps of the phacoemulsification procedure: corneal incisions, capsulorhexis, grooving, cracking, quadrant removal and infusion-aspiration of the viscoelastic. The intervention of a second surgeon was required for the intraocular injections of viscoelastic, balanced salt solution and intraocular lenses. Mean operative time was 26 minutes. All lens nuclei were removed. Inadvertent enlargement of the main corneal incision caused by the phaco hand piece was observed in 2 cases. Conclusions Experimental robot-assisted cataract surgery is technically feasible using the new DaVinci Xi robotic Surgical System combined with a phacoemulsification machine.