Synthetic Eye Model Structure for Goniotomy Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical training methods using human cadavers and animal eyes are burdened with logistical challenges, such as short shelf life and regulatory compliance, and lack a model that accurately mimics human eye anatomy and physiology for effective surgical training.
Innovation Solution
A simulated eye training tool comprising a rigid core, flexible sheet simulating trabecular meshwork, and components like a compressible corneal dome and scleral dome, designed to mimic the human eye's anatomy for procedures like goniotomy and trabecular meshwork manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human cadavers or animal eyes are used for surgical training, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but shelf life and storage stability deteriorate due to biological decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of the human eye that replicates the anatomical structures (cornea, iris, lens, vitreous humor, retina) using artificial materials. This copying approach maintains anatomical accuracy for training purposes while eliminating the decomposition issues inherent in biological specimens, thereby resolving the contradiction between anatomical fidelity and shelf life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the physical-chemical parameters of the eye model by using synthetic materials with stable properties instead of biological tissues. The artificial vitreous humor maintains consistent viscosity and the synthetic structures resist degradation, changing the parameters of durability and stability while preserving the anatomical form needed for surgical training.
2Measurement precision
If human cadavers or animal eyes are used for surgical training, then anatomical realism is improved, but regulatory compliance and handling complexity increase due to blood-borne pathogen standards
Solution Approach 1:
By creating an artificial copy of the eye using non-biological materials, the patent eliminates the need to comply with blood-borne pathogen standards and other regulations associated with handling human or animal tissues. The synthetic model maintains anatomical realism for training while removing the regulatory burden entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic eye model can be designed as a disposable or easily replaceable training tool that does not require complex sterilization or regulatory compliance procedures. This approach simplifies handling and disposal compared to biological specimens, reducing the complexity of regulatory adherence while maintaining training effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If synthetic eye models are used for surgical training, then ease of handling and storage is improved, but anatomical accuracy may deteriorate compared to biological specimens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully adjusts the physical parameters of the synthetic materials to match biological tissues. The artificial vitreous humor is formulated to have similar viscosity and optical properties, while the synthetic structures are designed to replicate the mechanical behavior of real eye tissues, thereby maintaining anatomical accuracy while achieving ease of handling and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials that combine different synthetic substances to replicate the complex properties of biological eye tissues. By using layered or composite structures, the model achieves both the anatomical accuracy needed for surgical training and the handling characteristics of a stable, non-biological specimen.
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.