The ophthalmologist and the grapes: A microsurgical training model

Objective:  Develop a training model for corneal surgery using grapes.

Methods:  Grapes were used as structures that mimic the size of the human eyeball, covered with latex materials, simulating the practice of corneal surgery using a videomagnification system. Eight simple stitches were performed. The surgical time was evaluated.

Results:  25 simulations were carried out as the model described. The mean time taken for the raffia was 34.56 ± 5.79 minutes. The analysis of the correlation between the time and the order of the surgeries showed a reduction in the confection time.

Conclusion:  The ophthalmic training model using grapes proved to be capable of simulating the basic stages of microsurgery suture training.

Keywords:
Education, medical; Training; Low cost technology; Video recording; Animal use alternatives