Analysis on key parameters in subretinal injection facilitating a predictable and automated robot‐assisted treatment in gene therapy

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSubretinal injection (SRI) has become an important surgical method for treating vitreoretinal diseases. Nevertheless, the optimisation of bleb formation in SRI, for the attainment of desired therapeutic outcomes, still requires further investigation.MethodsThis study analysed the influence of surgical parameters on SRI using a robotic setup. The surgical procedure was automated using visual guidance. A predictive model for bleb formation was established through regression analysis. To validate the model, we compared the clinical data's target area with the simulated SRI's actual area using parameters determined by the predictive model.ResultsThe insertion angle dominated the eccentricity and area of the bleb. The injection speed dominated the axial angle. Automated SRI increased success rate and produced predictable outcomes.ConclusionsWe could provide accurate SRI on phantom models by adjusting surgical parameters based on the patient's clinical information. Automatic robot‐assisted SRI is a promising surgical technique with highly predictable results.