Efficacy of Eyesi surgical simulator training in improving high-tension capsules capsulorhexis performance

Authors: Tiago Bisol, Renata Attanasio de Rezende Bisol, Flavio Rezende.

Publication: Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia, 2016; 75 (5): 376-9.

Abstract/Summary

Purpose: To evaluate if Eyesi® cataract surgical simulator training using its standard course curriculum is effective in improving performance of cataract surgery trainees on creating capsulorhexis on high-tension capsules on the simulator.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed training reports of ophthalmic surgery trainees (2nd and 3rd year residents and cataract fellowship trainees) that have accomplished the standard Eyesi® cataract surgery simulator training course version 2.1 between May 2012 and August 2013 at Instituto de Diagnostico e Terapia Ocular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We compared the mean score (from 0 to 100) attributed by the simulator on performing the same task, a capsulorhexis on a high-tension capsule, on the surgical simulator “before training” (during beginning of the course) and “after training” (at later stages of the course).

Results: Thirty-seven trainees’ reports were analyzed. Mean and standard deviation “before training” high-tension capsulorhexis score was 41.73 ± 27.08 points and the mean “after training” score was 72.55 ± 16.40 points, a difference of +30.82 points (p value <0.001 on Paired t test), representing a 73% improvement on performance.

Conclusions: Eyesi® surgical simulator training on course version 2.1 curriculum was effective in improving performance of cataract surgery trainees on creating capsulorhexis on high-tension capsules.