Synthetic eye model for surgical training of ocular implants

Abstract

A synthetic eye model is provided that can include several features. In one embodiment, the synthetic eye can include a rigid or semi-rigid ocular shell, a synthetic iris base disposed within the ocular shell, an ocular core disposed within the ocular shell and surrounding the synthetic iris base, the ocular core including a channel integral with the ocular core configured to replicate Schlemm's canal of a human eye, and synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue coupled to the ocular shell and extending across the channel. Methods of using the synthetic eye model are provided, including use of the synthetic eye model as a surgical training tool.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Incorporation by Reference All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally, but not exclusively, to a synthetic eye for surgical training. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a realistic synthetic eye capable of replicating the visual and tactile feedback of a real surgery. Specifically, the synthetic eye is designed for training / practice of inserting an implantable device for the treatment of glaucoma. [Background technology]

[0003] According to a draft report by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), glaucoma is now the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the second most common cause of blindness in the world after cataracts. Thus, the NEI draft report concludes: "It is important that continued focus and resources be dedicated to determining the pathophysiology and management of this disease." Glaucoma researchers have found a strong correlation between high intraocular pressure and glaucoma. For this reason, eye care professionals routinely screen patients for glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure using a device called a tonometer. Many modern tonometers perform this measurement by delivering a sudden puff of air to the outer surface of the eye.

[0004] The eye can be conceptualized as a ball filled with fluid. There are two types of fluid in the eye. The cavity behind the lens is filled with a viscous fluid known as the vitreous humor. The cavity in front of the lens is filled with a fluid known as the aqueous humor. Whenever a person looks at an object, they see that object through both the vitreous humor and the aqueous humor.

[0005] Also, whenever a person sees an object, they see that object through the cornea and lens of the eye. To be transparent, the cornea and lens cannot contain blood vessels. Therefore, no blood flows through the cornea and lens to provide nutrients to these tissues and remove waste products from these tissues. Instead, these functions are performed by aqueous humor. The continuous flow of aqueous humor through the eye provides nutrients to parts of the eye that do not have blood vessels (e.g., the cornea and lens). This flow of aqueous humor also removes waste products from these tissues.

[0006] Aqueous humor is produced by an organ known as the ciliary body. The ciliary body contains epithelial cells that secrete aqueous humor continuously. In a healthy eye, as new aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelial cells of the ciliary body, a stream of aqueous humor flows from the anterior chamber through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal. This excess aqueous humor enters the venous bloodstream from Schlemm's canal and is carried away with the venous blood to leave the eye.

[0007] When the eye's natural drainage mechanism no longer works properly, pressure inside the eyeball begins to build up. Researchers theorize that prolonged exposure to high intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, which transmits sensory information from the eye to the brain. This damage to the optic nerve results in loss of peripheral vision. As glaucoma progresses, more and more vision is lost, until the patient becomes completely blind.

[0008] Intraocular stents, scaffolds, or support structures can be implanted in Schlemm's canal for the purpose of promoting the flow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. These ocular implants are typically delivered to Schlemm's canal by inserting a cannula of a delivery system through the trabecular meshwork into the anterior chamber and advancing the implant through the cannula into Schlemm's canal. Upon implantation, the devices provide a support structure and act to dilate and restore the natural aqueous outflow pathway through Schlemm's canal, resulting in a reduction in intraocular pressure.

[0009] Surgical training for delivering ocular implants typically requires the use of human cadaver anterior segments. Future surgeons can practice delivering ocular implants through the trabecular meshwork and into Schlemm's canal of eye bank eyes during the wet lab portion of their training. However, human anterior segments are not readily available, are expensive, and are difficult to transport and dispose of. Currently existing eye models do not adequately replicate the feel and appearance of the human trabecular meshwork. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The provided synthetic eye model includes a rigid or semi-rigid ocular shell, a synthetic iris base disposed within the ocular shell, an ocular core disposed within the ocular shell and surrounding the synthetic iris base, the ocular core including a channel integral with the ocular core configured to replicate Schlemm's canal of a human eye, and synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue coupled to the ocular shell and extending across the channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the synthetic eye further comprises a synthetic cornea disposed over the eye shell. In one example, the ocular core further includes a protrusion adjacent the channel and configured to replicate a scleral promontory of a human eye. In some implementations, the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue extends across the protrusion and the channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the synthetic trabecular meshwork comprises a hydrogel-based synthetic tissue. In other embodiments, the rigid or semi-rigid eyeshell includes a cornea portion and a sclera portion. In some instances, the cornea portion is integral with the sclera portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ocular core comprises a plurality of ocular core pieces. In another example, the synthetic eye includes one or more internal supports configured to adhere to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue to prevent the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue from collapsing and entering the channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the synthetic eye further comprises a chamber disposed between the ocular shell and the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. A method of performing surgical training is provided, the method including the steps of inserting an ocular implant into a synthetic eyeball, the ocular implant including an entrance portion at a proximal end and a Schlemm's canal portion disposed distal to the entrance portion; advancing the Schlemm's canal portion of the implant through synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue; advancing the Schlemm's canal portion of the implant into a channel of the synthetic eyeball such that the Schlemm's canal portion follows the channel as it advances; and positioning the entrance portion of the implant within a chamber of the synthetic eyeball adjacent to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue.

[0015] A method of deploying an ocular implant in a synthetic eye is provided, the method including penetrating a synthetic trabecular meshwork with a distal tip of a delivery tool from within a chamber of the synthetic eye, inserting the distal tip of the delivery tool into a channel of the synthetic eye, and advancing the ocular implant from the delivery tool to position a body portion of the ocular implant within the channel and an inlet portion of the ocular implant within the chamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] The present disclosure may be more fully understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a synthetic eye model. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ocular core and synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue of the synthetic eye model of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3A-3B are diagrams of a synthetic eyeball model. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a synthetic eye model having a synthetic cornea. [Figure 4B] 1 shows an embodiment of a synthetic eye model without a synthetic cornea for an "open sky" approach. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a synthetic eye model packaged into a human face reproduction. [Figure 6]1 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ocular core of the synthetic eye model. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ocular core of the synthetic eye model. [Figure 8] We show how to perform surgical training on a synthetic eye. [Figure 9] We show how to perform surgical training on a synthetic eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0018] Detailed Description The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and / or shown can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention.

[0019] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] The challenge in designing a synthetic model of the eye is to create a synthetic trabecular meshwork that adequately replicates the feel and appearance of the human trabecular meshwork. The human trabecular meshwork is a thin and delicate structure with membrane-like properties. Although fragile and thin, it is also stretchy and elastic. The appearance of the trabecular meshwork varies depending on the amount of pigment and the viewing angle position.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, the synthetic eye model includes several design elements. With reference to FIG. 1 , the synthetic eye model 100 can include a synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 102. The synthetic eye model of the present disclosure then includes an ocular core 104 that includes a number of anatomical features such as the landmarks of the scleral promontory, the posterior wall of Schlemm's canal, and the attachment of a synthetic trabecular meshwork. The synthetic eye model can further include an ocular shell 106 configured to support the ocular core and provide access to a cannula via either a synthetic cornea or an open design. In some embodiments, the ocular shell 106 can provide a volume or chamber 103 designed and configured to represent the anterior chamber. This chamber 103 can be adjacent to the ocular core 104, which includes a synthetic trabecular meshwork. The volume or chamber 103 can be empty (e.g., filled with air) or filled or infused with a fluid or substance having properties designed and configured to mimic the aqueous humor of a real eye. Finally, the synthetic eye model may include an iris base 108 configured to provide a stable base and support for the ocular core and to provide a visual reference for the scleral promontory landmark. The synthetic eye model provided herein includes proportional dimensions, realistic appearance, and realistic interaction between the cannula and the ocular implant when compared to an actual human eye.

[0022] The synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 102 may comprise synthetic tissue to replicate the feel and appearance of real trabecular meshwork tissue. Once the synthetic eye model 100 is fully assembled, the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 102 is attached, bonded, or stretched or wrapped around the ocular core 104. In a real human eye, the trabecular meshwork is a region of ocular tissue located around the base of the cornea and is responsible for draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. Real trabecular meshwork tissue is "spongy" and lined with trabecular cells that allow for fluid drainage. In some examples, the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 102 comprises a hydrogel-based synthetic tissue material, such as SynDaver synthetic tissue, called SynTissue™.

[0023] In some embodiments, the entire synthetic eye model is disposable and intended for only a limited amount of training sessions. However, in other embodiments, many components of the synthetic eye model 100 are intended to be reused for future training sessions, and components such as the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue and / or the ocular core are replaceable within the reusable ocular shell. For example, the ocular core may be modular within the ocular shell and may be removed when replacement of the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue is required. New synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue may be applied or affixed to the ocular core and reinserted into the ocular shell for additional training sessions.

[0024] The ocular core 104 includes features that, in combination with the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 104, are combined to replicate the look and feel of an anatomical location in a real eye, such as Schlemm's canal. As described above, in a real eye, the trabecular meshwork provides drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal. Thus, in the synthetic eye model 100, the ocular core 104 includes notches, grooves, ridges, or channels that replicate the look and feel of a real Schlemm's canal. As described above, the ocular core 104 can be configured to attach or bond to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. In some embodiments, the ocular core 104 can include anatomical features to improve the realism of the synthetic eye model. In one example, the ocular core 104 can include a soft material, such as silicone. However, it should be understood that other materials can be used, such as materials that mimic the softness, feel, and durability of real human tissue.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the synthetic eye model of FIG. 1 including synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 202, ocular core 204, and ocular shell 206. As shown in the cross-sectional view, the ocular core 204 exhibits a protrusion 210 that represents the actual scleral promontory, and a channel 212 in the ocular core 204 that represents Schlemm's canal of the actual eye. The synthetic trabecular meshwork 202 may be stretched and / or wrapped around the ocular core 204. In another embodiment, the synthetic trabecular meshwork is stretched, wrapped, or positioned only across the protrusion 210 and the channel 212. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of the ocular core, it should be understood that the ocular core and / or trabecular meshwork tissue may be designed and configured to completely surround 360 degrees around the iris base of the synthetic eye model. 2, synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 202 is coupled to and surrounds ocular core 204 across channel 212 representing Schlemm's canal, including an extension from protrusion 210 (representing the scleral promontory). Synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 202 can be stretched across the channel and protrusion to form an open space within channel 212, which replicates the natural anatomy of Schlemm's canal and trabecular meshwork of an actual human eye.

[0026] The Ocular Core 104 (and 204 in FIG. 2 ) may be of modular design and is intended to be snapped or inserted into the Ocular Shell 106. In some embodiments, the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue 102, the Ocular Core 104, and the Iris Base 106 may all be removable from the Ocular Shell 108, either individually or while still coupled to one another. In one embodiment, the Ocular Core 104 / 204 may be a single piece configured to completely encircle 360 ​​degrees around the iris base of the synthetic eye model. However, in other embodiments, the Ocular Core may include multiple pieces that are joined, connected, or adjacent to one another to form a complete 360 ​​degree component as shown.

[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the ocular shell 106 may be a rigid, semi-rigid, or soft material configured and designed to hold and support the other components of the synthetic eye model. The ocular shell 106 may be shaped and configured to mimic the look and / or feel of the cornea and / or sclera of a real human eye. In one embodiment, the ocular shell 106 may be a single piece, while in other embodiments, the synthetic cornea portion may be attached or bonded to the synthetic sclera portion. In one example, the ocular shell 106 may comprise a soft material, such as silicone. However, it should be understood that other materials may be used, such as materials that mimic the softness, feel, and durability of real human tissue. As noted above, in some embodiments, the entire synthetic eye model may be disposable and / or single-use or usable for a limited number of times. However, in other embodiments, components such as the ocular shell may be reusable, and disposable elements, such as synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue, may be replaced and inserted into the ocular shell as needed.

[0028] The iris base 108 is configured to provide a stable base and support for the ocular core and also to serve as a visual reference for the scleral promontory of the ocular core 104. The iris base may be fabricated from a synthetic material selected to mimic the look and / or feel of a real human iris. In one example, the iris base 108 may include a soft material such as silicone. The iris base 108 may be shaped and sized to hold or be coupled or attached to the ocular core 104 and / or the ocular shell 106. During surgical training, the iris base may be used as a landmark to help the trainee / surgeon identify the location of the scleral promontory.

[0029] 3A-3B are additional views of the synthetic eye model, illustrating the distinction between the synthetic trabecular meshwork 302, the scleral promontory 310 of the eye core, and the iris base 306, as described above. It can be seen from FIGS. 3A-3B that the iris base 308 not only serves the important function of mimicking the appearance of the human iris, but also provides important visual contrast with the trabecular meshwork for identification of the scleral promontory, which is necessary for proper placement of the delivery cannula in Schlemm's canal. The only difference between the two eye models of FIGS. 3A and 3B is the technique used to stain the canal / trabecular meshwork tissue, which is described below.

[0030] FIG. 4A shows a first configuration of the synthetic eye model, which in addition to the above features, further includes a synthetic cornea that requires the use of an incision and a goniolens to replicate the access and visualization methods used in real surgery. In contrast, a second configuration is shown in FIG. 4B, which represents an "open sky" approach without a synthetic cornea, allowing the surgeon to directly view the trabecular meshwork and practice cannulation into Schlemm's canal without the need for an additional surgical procedure to penetrate the cornea. As mentioned above, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the ocular shell of the synthetic eye model can include a synthetic cornea in either a one-piece or two-piece configuration. However, in FIG. 4B, the ocular shell can include only a portion representing the sclera of the eye, with the cornea being "missing" or removed for training purposes.

[0031] As shown in both FIGS. 4A and 4B, the synthetic eye models can be packaged in a carrying case for ease of shipping or transport. The case can include, for example, a hinged lid for easy access to the synthetic eye. Design improvements required for the synthetic eye models include molding changes to reduce flash, improved quality control of the tissue, and packaging designs to maintain moisture within the tissue. Each synthetic eye model can be individually packaged in a sealed plastic container to retain moisture, keeping the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue hydrated and realistically simulating the feel of a human trabecular meshwork.

[0032] 5, a surgical training kit 501 may include a synthetic eye model 500 as described herein inserted into a contoured tray 503 representing a human face. The tray may be fitted with an instrument case 505 that serves as a convenient carry case for the various instruments, devices, and materials needed to complete the training. In one embodiment, the instrument case 505 may include top and bottom halves that are sealed together when closed to protect the synthetic eye model 500 and the contoured tray 503. In use, the instrument case may be opened to expose the synthetic eye model and contoured tray.

[0033] Alternative embodiments of an ocular core and synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. With reference to FIG. 6, the ocular core 604 can include an internal support 614 configured to attach to synthetic or real human trabecular meshwork tissue. The internal support 614 can span or extend across the channel 612 of the ocular core 604 to prevent the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue from collapsing and entering the channel. Any number of internal supports can be used depending on the materials used for the ocular core and the materials used for the synthetic trabecular meshwork. In this embodiment, the synthetic or human trabecular meshwork tissue can be removed and / or replaced on the ocular core 604 as needed. It is noted that in this embodiment, the ocular core 604 includes a representation of Schlemm's canal, but the scleral promontory landmark is not as prominent as the embodiment of FIG. 2. It is understood that this embodiment can also include a scleral promontory landmark or protrusion as described above in FIG. 2.

[0034] 7, another embodiment of an ocular core 704 includes a scleral promontory landmark represented by a protrusion 710 and a channel 712 configured and shaped to represent Schlemm's canal. However, in this embodiment, a two-part gel adhesive 716 can be injected, placed, or inserted into the channel 712 to represent both the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. In this embodiment, a first gel adhesive is inserted into the channel having properties designed and configured to mimic the feel of Schlemm's canal, and then a second gel adhesive is applied over the first gel adhesive having properties designed and configured to mimic the feel of the trabecular meshwork. In contrast to the embodiment above where a synthetic trabecular meshwork is stretched or wrapped around the ocular core, in this embodiment, a synthetic material is injected or placed into the channel of the ocular core.

[0035] In some instances, the canals or channels representing Schlemm's canal in the ocular core of the synthetic eye can be stained to highlight the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue as an additional visual aid for surgical training. In one embodiment, the canals are stained with uncured raw silicone dye that is injected into the canals after assembly of the synthetic eye model. Because the hydrogel-based synthetic tissue of the trabecular meshwork only absorbs water and the silicone of the ocular core is hydrophobic, the uncured silicone dye does not dissipate over time. With this dye and method, the silicone dye remains in the canals and the area of ​​tissue above the ocular core scleral promontory landmark remains clear. The synthetic eye model on the left of Figure 3 shows canals stained with this technique.

[0036] In another embodiment, a dye mixture of different larger dye particles is suspended in a gel-like mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, and iron oxide. This mixture is unique because the iron oxide particles are large and pack into the hydrogel in an appearance very similar to that of a real human trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork appears wrinkled and speckled rather than a solid brown line, making the synthetic tissue look very realistic. Over time, the iron oxide particles appear to maintain their position and concentration within the synthetic tissue. The synthetic eye model on the right of Figure 3 shows canals stained with this technique.

[0037] As described above, the synthetic eye model can be used for surgical training to mimic the sensation of inserting an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal. In some embodiments, the ocular implant can be sized and shaped to fit within Schlemm's canal (or within a channel of the synthetic eye model). The ocular implant can include a curved body that is generally tubular in shape and can include one or more openings along its length. In some embodiments, the ocular implant is designed and configured to fit completely within Schlemm's canal (or synthetic Schlemm's canal). In other embodiments, the ocular implant can include an entrance portion designed and configured to extend from Schlemm's canal into the anterior chamber.

[0038] Ocular implants used for surgical training using synthetic eye models typically require or incorporate a delivery system. The delivery system can be configured to advance the ocular implant into the patient's eye, or in this case, into the synthetic eye model. Typically, these ocular implant delivery systems include a cannula configured to receive the ocular implant, and an advancement system or mechanism configured to push or advance the ocular implant out of the cannula or into the eye (or synthetic eye). In some embodiments, the delivery system can include features that improve ease of use. Such features include, for example, cutting off a distal portion of the cannula for insertion into the eye, and / or a rotation feature or curvature configured to facilitate proper orientation between the cannula and the target tissue (e.g., Schlemm's canal).

[0039] Methods of use are also provided herein. FIG. 8 is a flow chart 800 illustrating a method of performing surgical training. In step 802, the method may include inserting an ocular implant into the synthetic eye. This method step may include, for example, inserting the ocular implant through an ocular shell of the synthetic eye. The ocular shell may include a cornea portion and / or a sclera portion. In one embodiment, the ocular implant is inserted into the chamber of the synthetic eye through the cornea portion. As noted above, any type of ocular implant may be used in the synthetic eye, but in some embodiments, the synthetic eye is suitable for an ocular implant designed and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of a human eye. In one example, the ocular implant includes an entrance portion at a proximal end and a Schlemm's canal portion located distal to the entrance portion.

[0040] Next, at step 804, the method may include advancing the Schlemm's canal portion of the implant through the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. At step 806, the method may include advancing the Schlemm's canal portion of the implant into a channel of the synthetic eye such that the Schlemm's canal portion follows the channel as it advances. As described above, the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue may be stretched or expanded across the channel of the eye core. In some instances, the synthetic meshwork tissue extends across a protuberance representing a scleral promontory and across the channel.

[0041] Finally, in step 806, the method may include placing the inlet portion of the implant within a chamber of the synthetic eye adjacent to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. As described above, the chamber of the synthetic eye may be designed and configured to represent the anterior chamber of a human eye. In this method, the inlet portion or proximal portion of the ocular implant is implanted to reside within the chamber of the synthetic eye, while the Schlemm's canal or distal portion of the implant is implanted to reside in the channel of the synthetic eye.

[0042] 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating a method for performing a surgical training method for deploying an ocular implant into a synthetic eye. Referring to step 902, the method can include penetrating the synthetic trabecular meshwork with a distal tip of a delivery tool from within a chamber of the synthetic eye. As described above, the delivery tool can include a cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula can include a distal tip designed and configured to penetrate tissue. The tip can be, for example, sharp or cutting edge.

[0043] The method may further include inserting a distal tip of the delivery tool into a channel of the synthetic eye at step 904. As described above, the channel of the ocular core may be designed and configured to mimic the properties and dimensions of a real Schlemm's canal.

[0044] Finally, in step 902, the method may include advancing the ocular implant from the delivery tool to position the body portion of the ocular implant within the channel and the inlet portion of the ocular implant in the chamber. As noted above, in some embodiments, the ocular implant may include an inlet portion designed and configured to remain within the anterior chamber when a distal or body portion of the implant is inserted into Schlemm's canal to facilitate removal of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber.

[0045] Definitions of certain terms are provided below and shall apply unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numerical values ​​herein are deemed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not expressly stated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the stated value (i.e., having the same or substantially the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numerical values ​​that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term "about" (i.e., in contexts other than numerical values) can be deemed to have the ordinary and customary definition as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified.

[0046] The recitation of numerical ranges by boundaries includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include or refer to singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is typically used to include "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0047] References herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and the like, should be noted to indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily all embodiments include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether or not expressly stated, unless expressly stated to the contrary. That is, it is contemplated that various individual elements described below can be combined or arranged with one another to form other additional embodiments or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, even if not expressly shown in a particular combination, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0048] While many features of the various embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, along with details of the structure and function of the various embodiments, it should be understood that this detailed description is by way of example only, and that changes may be made, particularly in the details, and particularly in the construction and arrangement of parts illustrated by the various embodiments, to the extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms expressed in the appended claims. The present disclosure also includes the following aspects. [Aspect 1] A synthetic eye model, comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid eye shell; A synthetic iris base disposed within the eye shell; an ocular core disposed within the ocular shell and surrounding the synthetic iris base, the ocular core including a channel integral with the ocular core configured to replicate Schlemm's canal of the human eye; and Synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue attached to the ocular shell and extending across the channel A synthetic eye model comprising: [Aspect 2] 2. The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, further comprising a synthetic cornea disposed on the ocular shell. [Aspect 3] 2. The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, wherein the eye core further comprises a protrusion adjacent to the channel and configured to replicate a scleral promontory of a human eye. Aspect 4 4. The synthetic eye model of embodiment 3, wherein the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue extends across the processes and channels. Aspect 5 The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, wherein the synthetic trabecular meshwork comprises a hydrogel-based synthetic tissue. Aspect 6 2. The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, wherein the rigid or semi-rigid eye shell comprises a cornea portion and a sclera portion. Aspect 7 7. A synthetic eye model as described in embodiment 6, wherein the cornea portion is integral with the sclera portion. Aspect 8 The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, wherein the eye core comprises a plurality of eye core pieces. Aspect 9 The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, further comprising one or more internal supports configured to attach to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue to prevent the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue from collapsing and entering the channel. Aspect 10 2. The synthetic eye model of embodiment 1, further comprising a chamber disposed between the ocular shell and the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. Aspect 11 1. A method of performing surgical training, comprising: inserting an ocular implant into the synthetic eye, the ocular implant including an inlet portion at a proximal end and a Schlemm's canal portion disposed distal to the inlet portion; advancing the Schlemm's canal portion of the implant through synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue; advancing a portion of the Schlemm's canal of the implant into a channel of the synthetic eye such that the Schlemm's canal follows the channel as it advances; and Positioning the inlet portion of the implant within the chamber of the synthetic eye adjacent to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. The method includes: Aspect 12 1. A method of deploying an ocular implant in a synthetic eye, comprising: penetrating the synthetic trabecular meshwork with a distal tip of a delivery tool from within a chamber of the synthetic eye; Inserting a distal tip of the delivery tool into a channel of the synthetic eye; and advancing the ocular implant from the delivery tool to position the body portion of the ocular implant within the channel and the inlet portion of the ocular implant within the chamber; The method includes:

Claims

1. A synthetic eye model, comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid eye shell; A synthetic iris base disposed within the eye shell; an ocular core disposed within the ocular shell and surrounding the synthetic iris base, the ocular core including a channel integral with the ocular core configured to replicate Schlemm's canal of the human eye; and Synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue attached to the ocular shell and extending across the channel Including, and wherein the ocular core further comprises a protrusion adjacent the channel and configured to replicate a scleral promontory of a human eye. Synthetic eye model.

2. The synthetic eye model of claim 1 , further comprising a synthetic cornea disposed on the eye shell.

3. The synthetic eye model of claim 1 , wherein the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue extends across the processes and channels.

4. A synthetic eye model, comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid eye shell; A synthetic iris base disposed within the eye shell; an ocular core disposed within the ocular shell and surrounding the synthetic iris base, the ocular core including a channel integral with the ocular core configured to replicate Schlemm's canal of the human eye; and Synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue attached to the ocular shell and extending across the channel Including, The synthetic trabecular meshwork comprises a hydrogel-based synthetic tissue, a synthetic eye model.

5. The synthetic eye model of claim 1 , wherein the rigid or semi-rigid eye shell comprises a cornea portion and a sclera portion.

6. The synthetic eyeball model according to claim 5 , wherein the cornea portion is integral with the sclera portion.

7. The synthetic eye model of claim 1 , wherein the eye core comprises a plurality of eye core pieces.

8. A synthetic eye model, comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid eye shell; A synthetic iris base disposed within the eye shell; an ocular core disposed within the ocular shell and surrounding the synthetic iris base, the ocular core including a channel integral with the ocular core configured to replicate Schlemm's canal of the human eye; and Synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue attached to the ocular shell and extending across the channel Including, The synthetic eye model further comprises one or more internal supports configured to attach to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue to prevent the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue from collapsing into the channel.

9. The synthetic eye model of claim 1 , further comprising a chamber disposed between the ocular shell and the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue.

10. A method for performing surgical training using the synthetic eye model according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: inserting an ocular implant into a synthetic eye model, the ocular implant including an inlet portion at a proximal end and a Schlemm's canal portion disposed distal to the inlet portion; advancing the Schlemm's canal portion of the implant through synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue; advancing a portion of Schlemm's canal of the implant into a channel of the synthetic eye model such that the portion of Schlemm's canal follows the channel as it advances; and Positioning the inlet portion of the implant within the chamber of the synthetic eye model adjacent to the synthetic trabecular meshwork tissue. The method includes:

11. A method for deploying an ocular implant in the synthetic eye model according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: penetrating the synthetic trabecular meshwork with a distal tip of a delivery tool from within a chamber of the synthetic eye model; Inserting a distal tip of the delivery tool into a channel of the synthetic eye model; and advancing the ocular implant from the delivery tool to position the body portion of the ocular implant within the channel and the inlet portion of the ocular implant within the chamber; The method includes:

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