Various Cataract Model Eyes for Wet Lab Training Using the Microwave Surgical Device

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Simulation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cataract surgery training requires realistic models.
• Existing models may lack key features of human cataracts.
• Microwave technology offers precise thermal control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a reproducible microwave-assisted method for creating porcine eye cataract models.
• To simulate nucleus and posterior polar cataracts for surgical training.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these models in mimicking surgical challenges.

Main Methods:

• Porcine eyes were used to create nucleus and posterior polar cataract models via microwave surgical device.
• Pencil-type electrode (PE) for nucleus hardening and needle-type electrode (NE) for posterior capsule denaturation.
• Phacoemulsification cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) evaluated nucleus hardness.

Main Results:

• Microwave thermal coagulation successfully induced nuclear sclerosis and posterior capsule denaturation without corneal opacity.
• Hardened nuclei provided realistic tactile feedback for phaco-chop and divide-and-conquer techniques.
• Mean CDE of 8.25 indicated increased nuclear hardness; posterior capsule integrity was maintained.

Conclusions:

• A novel, reproducible microwave-based method for creating nucleus and posterior polar cataract models in porcine eyes was established.
• These models offer an effective platform for cataract surgery training, simulating poor visibility and advanced phacoemulsification.
• The technique enhances surgical skill development through realistic simulation of intraoperative conditions.