Simulation of flow field during irrigation/aspiration in phacoemulsification using computational fluid dynamics.

PURPOSE

To provide the details of the flow field in the anterior chamber during irrigation/aspiration (I/A) in phacoemulsification using computational fluid-dynamics methods.

SETTINGS

School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Dr. Khodadoust Eye Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, and Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, USA.

DESIGN

Theoretical study.

METHODS

A 3-dimensional model for the irrigating cannula, anterior chamber, capsular bag, and aspiration cannula was developed. The corresponding mathematic equations were solved numerically, and the details of the flow field were evaluated. The simulation was performed for coaxial and bimanual I/A systems with various flow rates. The pressure flow rate curve was evaluated, and the possibility of an unstable anterior chamber in different cases was assessed.

RESULTS

The effects of flow turbulence on the corneal endothelium were lower for the coaxial handpiece. That is, inner placement of irrigation cannula tip lowered the effect of turbulence on the cornea.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of the fluid dynamics of I/A using computational fluid dynamics provided details that cannot be obtained with the available experimental and analytic methods.