Laboratory analysis of phacoemulsifier compliance and capacity.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the compliance and capacity of 7 fluidics modules used by 6 phacoemulsifiers from 3 manufacturers.


METHODS
Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Previous-model and current-model phacoemulsifiers from 3 manufacturers were subjected to laboratory analysis of compliance and capacity. Previous-generation models tested included the Legacy Advantec, Whitestar Sovereign Phacoemulsification System, and Millennium Microsurgical System. Current models tested were the Infiniti Vision System with standard and Intrepid cassettes, Whitestar Signature Phacoemulsification System, and Stellaris Vision Enhancement System. To measure compliance, the aspiration line was connected to an electronic pressure transducer and small volumes of fluid were injected or aspirated. To measure capacity, the space between the distal end of the aspiration line and the pump was filled with methylene blue-dyed fluid.


RESULTS
The Legacy was the most compliant phacoemulsifier. The old and new Whitestar systems, Millennium system, and Stellaris system showed similar midrange compliances. The Infiniti Vision System with the Intrepid fluidic management system was the least compliant. The Infiniti cassettes had the greatest capacity, which is a detriment from a surge-control perspective, and Signature cassettes had the least capacity.


CONCLUSIONS
The Infiniti Intrepid system had the lowest compliance of the 6 units tested, which is optimum from a surge-control perspective. All other things being equal, the Infiniti should have the safest occlusion-break surge response.


BACKGROUND
Mr. Injev is an employee of Alcon Laboratories. Dr. Miller is a consultant to and investigator for Alcon Laboratories. Ms. Nejad has no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Mitra
M
Nejad
Valentine P
VP
Injev
Kevin M
KM
Miller
D000085:Acetates; D003187:Compliance / Q000502:physiology*; D004322:Drainage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013396:Suction; D014160:Transducers, Pressure; D014618:Vacuum
D000085:Acetates; C030660:BSS solution; D004338:Drug Combinations; D008903:Minerals; D012965:Sodium Chloride