The Effect of Haptic Feedback on Efficiency and Safety During Preretinal Membrane Peeling Simulation

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.