Optimization of transversal phacoemulsification settings in peristaltic mode using a new transversal ultrasound machine

Abstract

To determine the optimum bottle height, vacuum, aspiration rate, and power settings in the peristaltic mode of the Whitestar Signature Pro machine with Ellips FX tip action (transversal). John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Experimental study. Porcine lens nuclei were hardened with formalin and cut into 2.0mm cubes. Lens cubes were emulsified using transversal and fragment removal time (efficiency), and fragment bounces off the tip (chatter) were measured to determine optimum aspiration rate, bottle height, vacuum, and power settings in the peristaltic mode. Efficiency increased in a linear fashion with increasing bottle height and vacuum. The most efficient aspiration rate was 50mL/min, with 60mL/min statistically similar. Increasing power increased efficiency up to 90% with increased chatter at 100%. The most efficient values for the settings tested were bottle height at 100cm, vacuum at 600mm Hg, aspiration rate of 50 or 60mL/min, and power at 90%.