A new high-speed pneumatic vitrectomy cutter.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new high-speed pneumatic vitrectomy instrument capable of 2000 cuts/minute.


METHODS
Observational report.


METHODS
A high-speed guillotine vitrector, developed to perform vitrectomy, with the ability to adjust from 1 to 2000 cuts/minute, was used in 80 consecutive vitreoretinal cases with a variety of diagnoses in a hospital setting.


RESULTS
The performance was almost vibration-free. The instrument performed efficiently up to 1500 cuts/minute during vitrectomy, maintaining a constant flow rate. Higher cutting rates were used successfully for special indications. No complications were linked to the use of the instrument.


CONCLUSIONS
The instrument was used successfully in 80 consecutive vitrectomies for a variety of diagnoses, performing efficiently up to 1500 cuts/minute, with a constant flow rate without complications. Higher cutting rates (2000 cuts/minute) were used successfully for special indications.
Peyman
Gholam A
GA
Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA. mchiass1@tulane.edu
Livir-Rallatos
Charalampos
C
Canakis
Christina
C
Easley
James
J
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*