Optimum on-time duty cycle for micropulse technology

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the optimum on time for the most efficient removal of lens fragments using micropulsed ultrasound (US).

Setting: John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Design: Experimental study.

Methods: Twenty porcine lens nuclei were soaked in formalin for 2 hours and then divided into 2.0 mm cubes. Using an US machine with a 0.9 mm bent and a 30-degree bevel tip, the on time was varied every millisecond (ms) from 2 ms to 10 ms with the off time kept constant at 10 ms. Efficiency (time to lens removal) and chatter (number of lens fragment repulsions from the tip) were determined.

Results: The most efficient phacoemulsification was achieved with an on time of 6 ms. On times shorter than 6 ms were significantly less efficient (R2=.82, P=.04). Greater on times did not result in a significant difference in efficiency (R2=.03, P=.78) but did appear to have more chatter events when comparing 9 to 10 ms with 2 to 8 ms (P<.0001).

Conclusions: With micropulsed longitudinal US, a 6 ms on time was equally as efficient as longer on times, while shorter on times (2 to 5 ms) had decreased efficiency. At 9 ms and 10 ms on time, significantly more chatter was noted. Therefore, to maximize phacoemulsification, an on-time setting of 6 ms is recommended.

Financial disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.