Figure 8.

Experimental setup for cannulation experiments using an artificial phantom. (a) Stretched vinyl membranes simulating the vein walls were punctured using the force-sensing micro-needle under an ophthalmic microscope; (b) An acrylic insert with channels (1 mm wide) was used to tension the vinyl layer. The phantom was placed inside a container filled with balanced salt solution (BSS). To approach the channels on the phantom, the needle was inserted through the trocar on the movable (as shown with red arrows) sclerotomy port. A digital microscope was used to monitor the operational area from the side and assess the moment of puncture: (c) microneedle above the vinyl layer before puncture; (d) microneedle inside the channel after puncturing through the vinyl membrane.