A portable, low-cost practice model for microsurgical skills training

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Education
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Acquiring microsurgical skills is crucial for ophthalmic procedures.
• Traditional training methods can be expensive and inaccessible.
• There is a need for cost-effective, portable practice models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a portable, inexpensive practice model for ophthalmic corneal suturing.
• To assess the model's efficacy in improving microsurgical skills in novices.

Main Methods:

• A 3D micro-stellated icosahedron model was constructed using common materials.
• Participants without prior microsurgery experience were randomized into an intervention (model building) or control group.
• Microsurgical needle passing and tying skills were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated a significant decrease in time to pass the needle (P=0.018) and improved technical scores (P=0.001).
• The control group showed no significant skill improvement.
• The model effectively enhanced microsurgical tying skills in novice participants.

Conclusions:

• The portable, inexpensive micro-stellated icosahedron model is effective for acquiring essential microsurgical skills.
• The model's dimensions are similar to ocular structures, suggesting potential for ophthalmic surgery training.
• This model offers a viable solution for accessible microsurgical skills acquisition.