Post-occlusion surge parameters during ex vivo phacoemulsification with a new method of adaptive infusion control

A new method of adaptive control of infusion during phacoemulsification (PE) based on the Optimed Profi (Optimedservice) surgical system was developed, allowing calculation of the predicted volume of post-occlusion surge (POS) by monitoring aspiration and infusion flow rates. Purpose . To compare POS amplitude, predicted and actual volumes of POS during experimental ex vivo PE on cadaveric porcine eyes, between Optimed Profi and Centurion Vision surgical systems. Material and methods . For two experimental PE series of 10 operations on porcine eyes, the mean POS amplitude (mm Hg) was measured using a pressure sensor in the anterior eye chamber. Predicted and actual POS volumes were assessed using a non-contact aspiration-line flowmeter sensor by varying aspiration flow rate depending on the phaco needle patency. The parameters were compared between the series using the Student t-test. Results . The mean POS amplitude during PE by Optimed Profi and Centurion Vision System was 12.10 ± 0.21 and 13.3 ± 0.3 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean value of the predicted POS volume during PE by Optimed Profi and Centurion Centurion Vision System was 136.80 ± 9.59 and 146.00 ± 9.46 μm, respectively (p > 0.01). The mean value of the actual POS volume during PE by Optimed Profi and Centurion Vision System was 135.30 ± 4.97 and 158.50 ± 8.63 μm, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusion . The lower values of POS amplitude and predicted and actual volumes of POS in the series using the new method of adaptive infusion control may indicate a better hydrodynamic stability in experimental PE.