Medical training device for ophthalmic surgery and microsurgery

Abstract

Medical training device for surgical training in ophthalmology for learning and practicing medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques with a holder for fixing animal or artificial eyes, characterized in that the eye (2) is inserted into a socket (4) of an actuating cylinder (3) and is pressed against an orbital opening (6) of the mask (1) for positioning and fixing by means of the actuating cylinder (3) inserted in a guide (5) of a mask (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a medical training device for surgical and conventional training in ophthalmology for learning and practicing medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques.

[0002] Medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques must be perfectly mastered by the practitioners to ensure high-quality surgical treatment and avoid harmful therapeutic consequences. Demonstration and practice of these techniques on the living body are limited or impossible.

[0003] Techniques are now known for simulating such surgery on practice eyes. Animal eyes, such as pig eyes, rabbit eyes, or even human eyes, are typically used to learn surgical techniques, such as the removal of the lens nucleus and cortex. The anatomy of animal eyes is generally similar to that of the human eye.

[0004] To date, such eyes have been attached to simulation models either by pinning them onto gel pads or by using vacuum or clamping systems. However, these methods have disadvantages. Pinning with pins is time-consuming and potentially damaging to tissue, while vacuum solutions require additional technical equipment and can be cumbersome to handle.

[0005] EYECRE.AT GmbH offers vacuum holders for pig eyes known as Eyelid 4 Pigs and Mount Pro 4. The vacuum holder for pig eyes in a pad is a specially developed device for ophthalmic training and is ideal for practicing and simulating a variety of eye surgeries, including LASIK, Epi-LASIK, LASEK, cataract surgery, and other anterior segment procedures.

[0006] The Eyelid 4 Pigs features a magnetic, height-adjustable component that easily attaches to the vacuum holder. Since pig eyes vary in size, this adjustable eyelid ensures a precise fit and makes training more accurate and realistic. The eyelid can also be held open with a Liberman Solid Blade Speculum during treatments, further increasing the realism of the training sessions. For even more flexibility, the setup can be complemented with the Mount Pro 4 vacuum holder. This robust disc with a universal thread attaches to compatible stands, offering greater stability and flexibility. It was specifically designed for medical environments and ensures safe and precise positioning.

[0007] DE 3936572 A1 describes a training model in which an artificial eye is secured in an orbital holder by mechanical clamping devices. Patents US 4,762,495 A and US 4,865,551 A function similarly, and provide for the simulation of surgical procedures on an implanted artificial eye. The fixations used there are based on mechanical or form-fitting holders designed to ensure a fixed position of the eye.

[0008] Patents US 4,865,552 A and US 4,762,496 A have disclosed simulation techniques in which an artificial lens is arranged in a so-called three-chamber system to teach the aforementioned surgical technique. This involves using an artificial cornea with an artificial iris that covers the artificial lens from above. After opening the cornea, the surgeon is asked to open the lens capsule through the artificial iris and then remove the artificial lens using conventional equipment. One known removal method is ultrasound (phacoemulsification).

[0009] The disadvantage of the known artificial lens, however, is that it is only partially comparable to the human lens. According to the aforementioned patents, it consists of an alginate with added plastic components, which has the disadvantage that lens removal through the aforementioned phacoemulsification procedure cannot realistically be performed.

[0010] DE 4033200 C2 relates to an artificial head for performing eye operations, wherein a single eye in a cut or injured state is placed on an eye holder and clamped there, and tubes for the supply and removal of media to facilitate the operation are provided on the eye holder, and half of a human head is provided in a hollow design, wherein an eye holder is arranged in at least one eye socket and an optical device is further provided in the hollow region.

[0011] For eye fixation, negative pressure fixation is suggested. Here, the eye is held in position by suction. While this system provides consistent fixation, it requires a technical setup (e.g., a vacuum pump), which requires additional effort for setup and maintenance.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a medical training device for surgical training in ophthalmology in such a way that, starting from a holder of the known type, an eye can be fixed in a structurally simple manner for learning and practicing medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques.

[0013] To achieve this object, the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1 are provided according to the invention.

[0014] The essence of the invention is that the medical training device for surgical training in ophthalmology for learning and practicing medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques for recording and fixing artificial or animal eyes uses a height-adjustable actuating cylinder with a receptacle for the eye and this is pressed against an orbital opening of the mask by means of the actuating cylinder inserted in a guide of a mask for positioning and fixing.

[0015] The adjusting cylinder is provided with an arrangement for height adjustment, preferably with a system comprising an adjusting screw with a knurled nut, an anti-twist device, for example a flattening along the casing, and a cup-shaped socket for the eye at the upper section of the adjusting cylinder.

[0016] The mask generally resembles a human face and has at least one orbital opening formed in it, simulating the position of a human eye.

[0017] The invention provides a mechanical fixation of the eye, in which the animal or artificial eye is placed on a cylindrical support. This actuating cylinder is located inside the facial model (mask), specifically behind the hole that serves as the orbital opening.

[0018] After inserting the eye, it is pressed firmly against the orbital opening in the mask from below using the adjusting cylinder. This results in a stable, centered, and anatomically correct positioning of the eye—the eye "looks" out of the facial opening, so to speak.

[0019] The pressure is applied evenly and without the need for fixation pins, significantly reducing assembly time while minimizing the risk of mechanical damage to the eye. The position of the eye can be quickly changed or easily replaced if necessary, which is particularly advantageous in training scenarios with multiple participants.

[0020] In contrast to known solutions, the present invention dispenses with additional holding components or the use of negative pressure generating devices and utilizes the geometry of the cylinder and the orbital opening in the face model (mask) for stable positioning. This preserves the structure of the eye and enables more realistic and effective training.

[0021] The medical training device for surgical training in ophthalmology meets the highest quality and functionality standards, allowing training and practice sessions to be as realistic and effective as possible.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description.

[0023] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram for positioning and fixating an eye in the medical training device according to the invention for surgical training in ophthalmology for learning and practicing medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques. The medical training device essentially consists of a mask 1 ( Fig. 2), which is modeled on the human face, and the actuating cylinder 3 ( Fig. 3).

[0024] A positioning cylinder 3 with a bowl-shaped socket 4 at the upper end of the positioning cylinder 3 is used. The positioning cylinder 3 is positioned in the guide 5 inside the mask 1. The eye 2, preferably a pig's eye, is inserted into the bowl-shaped socket 4 of the positioning cylinder 3.

[0025] Furthermore, the adjusting cylinder 3 has an anti-twist device 7 in the form of a flattened portion on the casing and a height adjustment 8 in the form of a system consisting of an adjusting screw and a knurled nut. The height adjustment 8 allows the pressure of the eye 2 against the orbital opening 6 of the mask 1 to be regulated.

[0026] By lowering the mask 1, the eye 2 is pressed firmly against the orbital opening in the mask from below using the actuating cylinder 3, which leads to a stable, centered and anatomically correct positioning of the eye.

[0027] Using a 3D-printed system comprising a mask in the shape of a realistic face model and an adjustable actuator cylinder, animal or artificial eyes can be held in a stable position to simulate a realistic surgical situation. The realistic face model sits on a support frame. An adjustable cylinder presses the eye from below against the orbital opening of the model. This mechanism allows for free work under the microscope and targeted training in various surgical techniques such as corneal sutures and incisions, conjunctival sutures, intravitreal drug administration (IVOM), use of the phaco device, and vitreous contact.

[0028] The presented invention offers a practical, safe, and efficient solution for the fixation of animal or artificial eyes in surgical training models. It combines stability with ease of use and completely eliminates time-consuming or technically complex fixation methods. Compared to existing systems, it offers both functional and ergonomic advantages. The use of a cylinder to exert pressure from the inside against the orbital opening is novel, significantly reduces assembly effort, and allows for realistic positioning of the eye. The elimination of needles and vacuum technology increases both the safety and practicality of the training model. Reference symbol list 1 mask 2 eyes 3 actuating cylinders 4 version 5 Leadership 6 Orbital opening 7 Anti-twist device 8 Height adjustment QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 3936572 A1

[0007] US 4,762,495 A

[0007] US 4,865,551 A

[0007] US 4,865,552 A

[0008] US 4,762,496 A

[0008] DE 4033200 C2

[0010]

Claims

[1] Medical training device for surgical training in ophthalmology for learning and practicing medical manual and instrumental surgical techniques with a holder for fixating animal or artificial eyes, characterized by that the eye (2) is inserted into a socket (4) of an actuating cylinder (3) and is pressed against an orbital opening (6) of the mask (1) for positioning and fixing by means of the actuating cylinder (3) inserted in a guide (5) of a mask (1). [2] Medical training device according to claim 1, characterized by that the adjusting cylinder (3) is provided with a height adjustment arrangement (8). [3] Medical training device according to claim 1 and 2, characterized by that the socket (5) of the actuating cylinder (3) is bowl-shaped. [4] Medical training device according to claim 1 and 2, characterized by that the actuating cylinder (3) is provided with an anti-twist device (7). [5] Medical training device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the mask (1) generally resembles a human face and has at least one orbital opening (6) formed therein which simulates the position of a human eye.

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