Fluid dynamics in three 25-gauge vitrectomy systems: principles for use in vitreoretinal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To compare infusion and extrusion fluid volumes with three 25-gauge vitrectomy systems.


METHODS
The infusion and aspiration rates of 25-gauge systems from Alcon (Fort Worth, TX, USA), Bausch & Lomb (St Louis, MO, USA), and the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Centre (DORC, Zuidland, the Netherlands) were measured in vitro using balanced saline solution with different heights (40, 60, 80, 100, 120 cm) of infusion bottle, cutter velocities (800, 1100, 1500 cuts/ min) and aspiration powers (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mmHg).


RESULTS
The infusion flow velocities differed among the systems (p < 0.001 for all comparisons [p-values 0.0009-0.0001]). The aspiration rates of the Alcon and Bausch & Lomb systems were lower than that of the DORC system (p < 0.02 for all comparisons [p-values 0.018-0.002]).


CONCLUSIONS
Infusion and extrusion fluid rates differ among 25-gauge vitrectomy systems. These results may help to optimize ideal aspiration and infusion parameters among 25-gauge vitrectomy systems used to treat vitreoretinal diseases.
Magalhães
Octaviano
O
Department of Ophthalmology, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. octavianomj@terra.com.br
Maia
Maurício
M
Maia
André
A
Penha
Fernando
F
Dib
Eduardo
E
Farah
Michel Eid
ME
Schor
Paulo
P
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002404:Catheterization; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004867:Equipment Design; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013396:Suction; D013997:Time Factors; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery*
D000085:Acetates; C030660:BSS solution; D004338:Drug Combinations; D008903:Minerals; D012965:Sodium Chloride