Comparison of venturi and peristaltic vacuum in phacoemulsification

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015 Feb;41(2):428-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2014.12.043.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of peristaltic-based and venturi-based vacuums.

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

Design: Experimental study.

Methods: Porcine lenses were hardened with formalin and cut into 2.0 mm cubes. Time to fragment removal (efficiency) and fragment bounces off the tip (chatter) were measured using a Signature machine with the ability to switch between peristaltic-based and venturi-based vacuum. Micropulse longitudinal and transversal ultrasound motions were tested.

Results: Venturi-based vacuum had increased efficiency and decreased chatter compared with peristaltic-based vacuum at lower vacuum levels.

Conclusion: Use of a venturi-based vacuum, when available, may result in reduced clearance time of lens material and mitigate chatter even under noisy conditions.

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

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Fixatives / pharmacology
  • Formaldehyde / pharmacology
  • High-Energy Shock Waves*
  • Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / drug effects
  • Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / surgery*
  • Phacoemulsification / instrumentation*
  • Swine
  • Vacuum*

Substances

  • Fixatives
  • Formaldehyde