Optimization and comparison of a 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm tip on an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform

Abstract

To assess the effect of varying levels of torsional power on phacoemulsification efficiency using an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform with a 0.7mm Sonata tip. John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Experimental study. A 0.7mm tip was used to emulsify 2.0mm porcine lenses that had been hardened in formalin. The torsional power was varied from 10% to 100% at intervals of 10%, and efficiency and chatter were recorded. A comparison of the 0.7mm tip with the 0.9mm Balanced tip was also performed. Using a torsional power setting of 90% and 100%, the 0.7mm tip and the 0.9mm tip efficiency times were recorded. The study showed an increase in efficiency as torsional power increased. The relationship was linear and more efficient up to 90% (R2=.8025, P=.0005). Chatter was only observed at a torsional power setting of 60%. In addition, a head-to-head comparison of the 0.7mm tip with the 0.9mm tip showed that both tips were statistically similar in efficiency times, despite the smaller diameter of the 0.7mm tip. The optimum torsional power setting with the Centurion platform in conjunction with the 0.7mm tip was 90%. The efficiency of the 0.7mm tip and the 0.9mm tip was statistically similar.