Three-Dimensional Printing of a Transconjunctival Vitrectomy Trocar-Cannula System

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The aim of this paper was to study the feasibility of manufacturing a customizable trocar-cannula system for vitreoretinal surgery utilizing commercially available three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A digital model of a trocar-cannula system for vitreoretinal surgery was created using computer-aided design (CAD) software and printed utilizing a laser-sintering 3D printer in modified ABS thermoplastic material. The trocar-cannula prototypes were tested in pig eyes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A customizable digital model was created using commercially available CAD software. Three trocar-cannulas were printed. The smallest cannulas that could be printed had dimensions between 21 and 22G. The trocar-cannulas were inserted in pig eyes after performing sclerotomies with a commercially available 20G MVR blade. One cannula broke during insertion. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study demonstrates the feasibility of printing a transconjunctival vitrectomy trocar-cannula system with commercially available 3D print technology. The 3D printer and build material used resulted in trocar-cannulas with functional limitations including a minimum size achievable and mechanical resistance.