Comparative Analysis Of The Efficiency Of Different Procedures For Cataract Removal By Phacoemulsification.

To analyze and compare the efficiency of three different phacoemulsification systems by evaluating the parameters related to fluidics and ultrasound time.

“Mediterranea” Clinic -Ophthalmology Operative Unit of the “Mediterranea” Clinic

Via Orazio, 2 – 80122 Napoli (Italy)

159 cases of cataract extraction by phacoemulsification were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into 4 arms and operated using three different phaco in 4 configurations with different infusion systems and different types of suction pumps. Patients enrolled in the study have grade 3 cataract (LOCS III grading system) to avoid differences of cataract between the groups. The Phaco are the Jhonson & Jhonson's Signature Pro, the Baush & Lomb's Stellaris Elite and the Centurion Vision System by ALCON in two configurations,  Active Fluidic mode and Active Fluidic mode with an Active Sentry handpiece. The four phacoemulsifiers were analyzed separately and subsequently the variables that were common between them were compared.

Centurion and Centurion with Active Sentry required less Ultrasound Time (US Time) for cataract removal as compared to Signature and Elite phacoemulsification systems (30.61sec ± 9,25, 29,47sec ± 9,74, 59,15sec ± 24,79 e 42,84sec ± 18,56; respectively). Both Centurion systems required lower intraoperative Ocular Pressure (IOP) to complete the procedure respect to Signature and Elite. Elite aspirated more fluid as compared to Centurion and Centurion with Active Sentry (75,31cc ± 19,73 , 51.34cc ± 9,6 and 49,68cc ± 12,01; respectively). No difference between the two Centurion configurations has been found.

Centurion and Centurion with Active Sentry required less US time and allows a lower IOP level during cataract surgery respect to Elite and Signature systems. Less fluid is necessary to complete the procedure as compared to Elite.