Thermal study of bare tips with various system parameters and incision sizes.

PURPOSE

To identify major and minor surgeon-controlled parameters that affect incision temperature when performing microincision lens removal using the Alcon Infiniti Vision System.

SETTING

In vitro research and development laboratory, Alcon Research, Irvine, California, USA.

METHOD

Phacoemulsification was performed in eye-bank cadaver eyes and the following parameters evaluated: incision, duty cycle, ultrasound (US) power, aspiration flow rate (AFR), vacuum, pulse, bottle height and balanced salt solution temperature, and tip design/size. Each parameter was varied while the others remained constant. The resulting temperature of the incision and US tip was measured using a thermal camera.

RESULTS

Major contributors to elevated incision temperature included incision size, US power, duty cycle, AFR, vacuum setting, tip design, and presence of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). Minor contributors included pulse frequency, bottle height, and temperature of the infusate.

CONCLUSION

Microincision lens removal can be performed at safe temperatures with the knowledgeable selection of surgeon-controlled parameters.