3D-Printed Ophthalmic-Retrobulbar-Anesthesia Simulator: Mimicking Anatomical Structures and Providing Tactile Sensations

<bold>Objective:</bold> A simulator for retrobulbar anesthesia administration mimicking the orbital anatomy and providing tactile sensation is proposed. <bold>Methods:</bold> The production process involves 3D modeling of anatomical structures on the basis of computerized tom...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yong Je Choi, Yoon Ha Joo, Baek-Lok Oh, Jung Chan Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2021-01-01
Series:IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9495776/
Description
Summary:<bold>Objective:</bold> A simulator for retrobulbar anesthesia administration mimicking the orbital anatomy and providing tactile sensation is proposed. <bold>Methods:</bold> The production process involves 3D modeling of anatomical structures on the basis of computerized tomography (CT) images, printing the models using a 3D printer, and casting the silicone. Twenty ophthalmologists administered retrobulbar anesthesia using the simulator with four different ocular axial lengths (including extreme myopes); the position of the needle tip was evaluated. The effectiveness of this simulator for training was also surveyed. <bold>Results:</bold> The proportions of the final location of the needle tip were 59.25&#x0025;, 36.25&#x0025;, and 4.5&#x0025; for the retrobulbar space, peribulbar space, and intraocular space, respectively. Experienced ophthalmologists showed lower complication rates than residents (0.5&#x0025; vs 8.5&#x0025;, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P &lt; 0.001$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and agreed that this simulator will help young ophthalmologists advance their anesthesia-administering skills. <bold>Discussion/Conclusion:</bold> The 3D-printered simulator for retrobulbar anesthesia was produced and performance was verified. The technology could be used to simulate critical orbital anatomic features and could be used as a training tool for resident ophthalmologists.
ISSN:2168-2372