Synthetic Model Eye with Elastomeric Muscles for Surgical Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing models for training medical professionals in eye surgery, such as human cadaver and animal eyes, have a short shelf life and require refrigeration and special handling, posing logistical and regulatory challenges.
Innovation Solution
A model human eye with a hemi-spherical shape, featuring a bowl-shaped substrate, retinal layers, a transparent cornea, opaque sclera, and a face manikin for mimicking human anatomy, allowing for practice of surgical techniques without refrigeration and easy disposal, with fluid viscosity mimicking the human eye's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological eyes (human cadaver or animal eyes) are used for training, then anatomical realism is improved, but shelf life and handling requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of the biological eye that replicates its anatomical structure and functional properties. The model eye includes a cornea with specific curvature and transparency, an iris with muscle tissue that can constrict and dilate, a lens, and a retina with photoreceptor cells, all arranged to mimic the human eye's anatomy. This synthetic copy provides unlimited shelf life while maintaining training realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from biological tissues to synthetic materials with equivalent optical and mechanical properties. The cornea uses transparent polymer with specific refractive index, the iris uses elastomeric material with controlled durometer, and the fluids have matched viscosities to simulate aqueous and vitreous humor. These parameter changes eliminate decomposition while preserving functional realism.
2Reliability
If biological eyes are used for training, then anatomical realism is improved, but handling complexity and regulatory burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic model eye replicates the biological eye's anatomy without inheriting its biological handling requirements. The model can be stored at room temperature, transported without special containers, and disposed of as regular waste, eliminating the need for refrigeration, biohazard protocols, and specialized disposal procedures while maintaining training fidelity.
3Productivity
If model eyes are made durable for repeated use, then productivity is improved, but anatomical realism may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials that combine durability with anatomical fidelity. The sclera uses opaque polymer, the cornea uses transparent polymer with specific optical properties, the iris uses elastomeric material with muscle-like behavior, and the retina uses layered structure with photoreceptor simulation. These composites enable repeated surgical practice while maintaining realistic anatomical responses to surgical manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A model human eye that is structurally suited for practicing surgical techniques, including extraocular muscle resection and recession, is presented. The model eye comprises a hemispherical-shaped, bottom assembly having multiple retinal layers and a hemispherical-shaped, integrally molded top assembly having a visually transparent cornea portion surrounding a visually opaque sclera portion. The model eye further comprises an annular iris, a lenticular bag, an anterior chamber having a first fluid disposed therein, and a posterior chamber having a second fluid disposed therein. The model human eye further comprises a cylindrical member extending outwardly from the sclera portion, where the cylindrical member mimics an optic nerve, and a cone-shaped elastomeric assembly attached to a distal end of the cylindrical member and having four elastomeric members extending outwardly, where a distal end of each elastomeric member is attached to the sclera portion, and where each of the elastomeric members mimics a rectus muscle.