Simulated Eyeball With Conductor Layer for Glaucoma Surgery Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional simulated eyeballs lack the necessary features for training in glaucoma surgery, specifically thinly slicing the sclera, which is critical for procedures like trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy, and do not allow for realistic simulation of scleral incisions without damaging underlying choroidal structures.
Innovation Solution
A simulated eyeball with a formed sclera region, a conductor layer on the interior to simulate the choroid, and additional features like a recess for Schlemm's canal, along with a fiber layer to mimic the sclera's texture, allowing for realistic training with a sensing mechanism to detect incision depth and prevent damage to sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional simulated eyeballs are used for training, then cataract surgery training is possible, but glaucoma surgery training (thinly slicing sclera) cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated eyeball incorporates a conductor layer specifically positioned at the sclera region to simulate the choroid, creating localized functional differentiation. This allows the sclera area to provide electrical feedback during incision while other regions maintain their structural simulation properties, enabling both cataract and glaucoma surgery training with appropriate feedback mechanisms for each procedure type
2Device complexity
If a simulated eyeball without conductor layer is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but incision depth detection and choroid protection cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor layer acts as an intermediary element between the sclera and the training practitioner. It provides electrical feedback when the surgical knife contacts the choroid region, enabling incision depth detection without requiring direct mechanical sensors. This intermediary layer maintains structural simplicity while enabling precise measurement of incision depth and real-time feedback for preventing choroid damage
3Device complexity
If no sensing mechanism is provided, then the training device remains simple, but real-time feedback for incision depth control is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor layer integrated into the sclera region provides immediate electrical feedback when contacted by the surgical knife during incision. This feedback mechanism allows trainees to sense the depth of their incisions in real-time and adjust their cutting depth to avoid penetrating the choroid, thereby improving skill acquisition through active learning while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables realistic training for glaucoma surgery by providing a simulated environment where the depth of scleral incisions can be accurately practiced without risking contact with the choroid, enhancing the skill development of surgeons and reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor layer formed on a side of the simulated sclera region that is on an interior of the simulated eyeball; the conductor layer forming a simulated choroid region
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated eyeball for training in ophthalmic surgery includes a simulated sclera region that constitutes a simulated sclera, and a conductor layer that is formed on a side of the simulated sclera region that is on an interior of the simulated eyeball, the conductor layer forming a simulated choroid region.