Using Simulation to Address a Training Gap in Battlefield Ocular Trauma: A Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis (LCC)...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Simulation
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Combat eye injuries are a significant concern, with 5-10% of casualties experiencing them due to improvised explosive devices.
• Orbital compartment syndrome is a common complication requiring prompt decompression via Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis (LCC).
• Existing training methods lack dedicated devices for practicing the LCC procedure's psychomotor skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a simulation-based training system for the LCC procedure.
• To address the need for improved psychomotor skill development in LCC training.

Main Methods:

• Requirements analysis, iterative design, and prototype development were employed.
• Subject matter expert reviews and feedback guided system refinement.
• Testing of the simulation system was conducted.

Main Results:

• A prototype simulation-based training system for the LCC procedure was developed.
• Expert reviews indicated the system's potential for psychomotor skill enhancement.

Conclusions:

• The developed simulation system offers a novel approach to LCC training.
• Further validation through formal training effectiveness analysis is planned.
• This training tool has the potential to benefit both military and civilian programs for preserving eyesight.