KITARO Kits: A Superior Way to Practice Cataract Surgery

The KITARO^© WetLab and DryLab kits are created with the learning surgeon in mind. With both wet and dry lab kits, the beginner can practice techniques repeatedly without the added complication of long preparation times and costly live tissue samples. These tools simulate the stages of cataract surgery using both a wet lab and dry lab environment to allow new surgeons the ability to train repeatedly on basic surgical techniques.

Beginners can learn instrument manipulation with the KITARO DryLab and then move on to the KITARO WetLab to learn the intricacies of machine operations before performing actual surgeries.

KITARO DryLab

Without the need for a microscope or a phaco machine, procedures such as continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC), nuclear dividing, IOL insertion, and wound construction can be practiced repeatedly in a low-cost, pressure-free environment. The DryLab also monitors eye movement upon instrument contact to mimic a real surgical environment.

Mastering the essential specialized techniques of cataract surgery can be difficult for a surgeon to practice using conventional methods. Precise instrument manipulations require repetitive rehearsal, and available lab provisions such as porcine models can be tough and costly to obtain. With the KITARO DryLab, these issues are abated by allowing the novice to practice techniques repeatedly at their own desk.

Necessary surgical skills can be quickly improved through DryLab technologies designed to simulate the multiple stages of cataract surgery.

Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis

The DryLab polyester film has a 2-layer structure that mimics the ocular cortex. This technology can simulate the CCC procedure necessary to release the original cornea, and help surgeons learn the skills necessary to perform successful CCC in preparation for phacoemulsification. In practice, common mistakes can be encountered and resolved, and the polyester film can be quickly shifted to yield a brand new practice site for each rehearsal.

Nucleus Dividing

The nucleus dividing technique is the process of segmenting the pieces of the cataract nucleus in preparation for removal. The DryLab allows surgeons to perform the basic techniques for this segmentation with 3 artificial nuclei that provide divide & conquer, stop & chop, and phaco-chop techniques. The DryLab comes with three plastic pre-divided nuclei and CCC-processed film to aid in the practice of the three nucleus dividing techniques.

A polymer clay nucleus is also included that can be maneuvered and pierced for stop & chop and phaco-chop techniques just like a human nucleus.

Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification for emulsifying the eye’s internal lens and aspirating the nucleus is simulated using an artificial nucleus made of special resin clay. This clay mimics the consistency of a human nucleus and can be reused multiple times by simply hand-kneading back to its original shape and letting it set for a short period of time.

Wound Construction and IOL Insertion

Surgeons can practice construction of self-sealing wound incisions with the DryLab resin sheet. This sheet mimics the human sclerocornea, and effective practice can be performed using a keratome or crescent knife. The DryLab also allows the surgeon to practice IOL insertion with both forceps and an injector.

KITARO WetLab

The KITARO WetLab was constructed to replace the porcine wetlab, lowering the cost and setup of conventional labs. Surgical techniques, complication management, and common mistakes can all be mastered through repeated practice with this revolutionary learning tool.

The KITARO WetLab provides advantages over the usual porcine wet lab, including: easy preparation, a hygienic environment and high-quality, predictable materials for CCC and nuclear segmentation practice.

The WetLab comes with a high-quality artificial cornea and cataract lens. This artificial lens comes in three consistencies (medium-soft, medium-hard, and very hard) to represent natural consistency variations. The artificial cornea is 500 µm thick at the central part and 700 µm thick at the periphery to mimic the resistance experienced during an actual surgery.

With this equipment, a complete cataract surgery can be practiced that includes:

• Creating appropriate incisions
• Filling the anterior chamber with viscoelastic gel
• Performing CCC
• Executing hydrodissection and hydrodelineation
• Grooving and splitting the nucleus
• Emulsification and aspiration
• Removing the cortex
• IOL implantation

This training system is the future of cataract surgery practice for beginning surgeons. It can limit mistakes made in real surgical settings, and allows surgeons to master techniques and manage complications through a simulation that uses a realistic surgical environment without the lengthy preparation. The KITARO Wetlab and Drylab provide realistic eye movements and materials of comparable consistency to human eyes to assist the beginner surgeon in practicing the techniques necessary for successful cataract surgeries.

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