Simulated Eye Model with Flexible Trabecular Meshwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training ophthalmic surgery procedures, such as glaucoma treatment, face challenges with the limited availability and short shelf life of biological eyes, which require refrigeration and pose handling and disposal issues, and existing artificial models do not adequately mimic the anatomy and physiology of the human eye.
Innovation Solution
A simulated eye training tool with a rigid core, flexible trabecular meshwork simulation, and adjustable pedestals, featuring a compressible corneal dome and scleral dome, designed to mimic the anatomy and physiology of the human eye for realistic surgical training, including trabecular meshwork manipulation and fluid drainage simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological eyes are used for surgical training, then realistic anatomical training is achieved, but shelf life is limited and refrigeration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of the human eye that replicates the anatomical structures (cornea, iris, lens, vitreous humor, retina) and functional properties (optical clarity, tissue flexibility, fluid dynamics) without using actual biological tissue. This copying approach eliminates the shelf life limitation while maintaining anatomical realism for training purposes
2Ease of operation
If biological eyes are used for surgical training, then hands-on practice is enabled, but handling and disposal issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs synthetic, non-biological materials that can be manufactured at lower cost and do not require special disposal procedures. The model eye components are made from safe, durable materials that eliminate biohazard concerns while maintaining the hands-on training experience
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic model eye serves as an intermediary between theoretical knowledge and actual surgical practice on human patients. It provides a safe middle ground that allows trainees to develop dexterity without the harmful factors associated with handling real biological tissue
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing artificial models are used, then disposal concerns are reduced, but anatomical and physiological mimicry is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that combine the benefits of synthetic durability with anatomical realism. The model eye incorporates multiple materials with different properties (optically clear materials for cornea and lens, flexible materials for iris and retina, viscous materials for vitreous humor) to accurately replicate human eye anatomy and physiology while remaining non-biological and easy to dispose of
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated eye surgical training tool, namely an eye model that facilitates training of ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as goniotomy and trabecular meshwork manipulation. The eye model includes a core made of a rigid material and a Canal frame disposed at an upper end of the core that defines an inwardly-facing Schlemm's canal groove in an inner wall thereof. Various structures may be used in or across the Schlemm's canal groove to simulate a trabecular meshwork. For instance, a flexible sheet may span across the groove, or a soft material placed in the groove. Color or opacity may be used to distinguish the groove from surrounding structures. Also, a corneal dome having an upper hemispherical portion is mounted over the Canal frame, and a scleral dome having an upper bore is mounted around the corneal dome. The core may be mounted on one of a number of angled pedestals on a base.