Emulsification action of longitudinal and torsional ultrasound tips and the effect on treatment of the nucleus during phacoemulsification.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of emulsification of test materials when applying torsional and longitudinal emulsification tips as well as to define emulsification and determine how it occurs by examining the effect of phacoemulsification.


METHODS
Miyoshi Eye Hospital, Fukuyama, Japan.


METHODS
An ultra-high-speed digital video camera was used to record emulsification of chestnuts and human nuclei in a test chamber, simulating real phacoemulsification. The treatment of the nucleus as a result of phacoemulsification was analyzed visually.


RESULTS
Visual comparison of video data showed that the test chamber materials were completely desiccated by the torsional phaco device. Longitudinal phacoemulsification resulted in cutting and coring of the test chamber materials, but not total disruption.


CONCLUSIONS
Visual comparisons showed that complete obliteration and desiccation of the nucleus, or emulsification, occurs only with torsional phacoemulsification. These observations open the way to understanding the best approach to new tip design and surgical strategy development.


BACKGROUND
Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Miyoshi
Teruyuki
T
Miyoshi Eye Center, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. tmiyoshi@urban.ne.jp
Yoshida
Hironori
H
D031256:Eleocharis; D004655:Emulsions; D006801:Humans; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054159:Torsion, Mechanical; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation; D014732:Vibration; D014741:Video Recording
D004655:Emulsions