Force-Sensing Myringotomy Training Device
Myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Despite being the first procedure learned by a junior resident in otolaryngology, it’s usually not practiced prior to a first attempt on a patient. A lack of training leads to a heightened risk of injuries to the ear canal, longer times spent in surgery, and increased costs and recovery times. There is a significant unmet need for a method by which physicians can practice these microsurgical skills in a manner that is transferable to actual practice.
Description
Researchers have developed a novel force-sensing training device that provides real-time auditory and visual feedback to help train physicians to perform safe, effective myringotomies. The simulated ear canals are modular and upgradable, allowing residents to train on various ear canal morphologies, and includes a replaceable, disposable cartridge system to model the tympanic membrane. In addition to real-time feedback, the user can also access stored feedback about the number of touches and duration of the procedure to encourage self-directed improvement in an enjoyable, game-like manner. The pressure-sensing mechanisms uses changes in capacitance to measure detect pressure, a method which in itself may be novel, and are completely encased in the device, allowing the user to use standard tools and enhancing the lifelike effect of this anatomically correct device. This combination of realistic simulation capabilities with gamified stored feedback over time offer huge advantages over similar devices and have the potential to greatly improve new physicians’ confidence and ability to perform myringotomies.Applications
· Training tool for surgical residents· Novel pressure-detection methods may be used to construct training devices for other surgeries
Advantages
· Provides both real-time auditory and visual feedback as well as stored feedback to track user’s improvement· Gamification aspect encourages self-directed improvement
· Ear canals are modular and upgradable, allowing residents to train on different ear shapes
· Tympanic membrane imitator can be easily replaced between each use
· Anatomically correct, with all force-sensing components hidden within device