Robotic help for delicate retinal (back-of-eye) surgery
Enabling Dexterous Intraocular Surgery with Robotic Assistance
Developing robotic tools to help surgeons perform safer, more precise retinal surgeries for people with conditions like epiretinal membrane and diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259497 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will build and refine robotic instruments and advanced imaging so surgeons can make finer, steadier movements inside the eye with less risk of touching or tearing the retina. The team focuses on high-dexterity micromanipulation for procedures such as epiretinal membrane peeling, a common but delicate vitreoretinal operation. Work includes laboratory development and testing of the robotic tools and imaging, with the aim of moving toward clinical use at specialized centers. If the technology performs well, it could be integrated into operating rooms to assist surgeons during real procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need vitreoretinal surgery, especially those facing epiretinal membrane peeling or related posterior-segment procedures, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with eye problems that do not require vitreoretinal surgery or who receive only medical (non-surgical) treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technology could reduce surgical trauma and complications, making retinal operations safer and more precise.
How similar studies have performed: Robotic retinal surgery has been introduced in a few small clinical trials with promising feasibility results, but it remains early-stage and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iordachita, Iulian Ioan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Iordachita, Iulian Ioan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.