Abstract
Purpose::
We present a technique for didactic and surgical skills resident training through simulation of the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis procedure during cataract surgery utilizing the EYESITM system.
Methods::
In our program, the tissue area is modeled as a curvilinear mesh of nodes and springs. Deformation is accomplished via a physically based particle model utilizing a heuristic algorithm to constrain the deformation calculations to the locality of the tear area to speed up computations. Concurrent didactic information is keyed to the student surgeon's performance during the simulated procedure.
Results::
The software, when run on the EYESITM system, provides a realistic simulation of the skills required in the performance of the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis segment of the phacoemulsification cataract procedure, and alerts the user to any potential problems before they occur, thus providing concurrent instruction to the novice surgeon.
Conclusions::
Software can be devised to provide didactic and skills-based instruction while effectively simulating key segments of phacoemulsification cataract surgery thereby providing increased safety and efficiency in the education of residents in the performance of this important procedure.