Trocar insertion into the pars plana using an intraocular endoscope-holding robot.

Purpose: In vitrectomy for eyes with long axial lengths, trocar insertion distal to the limbus is beneficial for macular manipulation. We developed an intraocular endoscope-holding robot (OQrimo; Riverfield Inc, Tokyo, Japan), approved as a medical device in Japan. This study introduces a novel technique for trocar under direct visualization using OQrimo.

Methods: This study included seven eyes of seven patients undergoing vitrectomy. All procedures were performed using the OQrimo (Riverfield Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and the OPMI Lumera 700 with Resight (Zeiss, Germany). Initially, two trocars were placed 3.5-4.0 mm from the limbus at the two and eight o'clock positions in the conjunctiva. The intraocular endoscope (25G: Machida, Japan), held by OQrimo, was inserted through the two o'clock trocar and positioned to visualize the contralateral pars plana. The surgeon used a light pipe to identify the pars plana closest to the ora serrata on the endoscopic screen. The trocar was then inserted at this location.

Results: Surgeons successfully inserted the trocar while observing the pars plana under endoscopic guidance using OQrimo without any adverse events.

Conclusions: Trocar insertion using the OQrimo is a promising technique that may improve surgical outcomes in vitrectomy for in eyes with axial lengths outside the normal range such as those with high myopia.