Purpose
To compare the measured vs. system computed aspirated fluid used during cataract surgery for two different phaco-emulsifier systems<br />
Methods
A prospective, randomized, 100 patient- and technician-masked, contralateral eye study was conducted at 3-sties (2 USA, 1 Spain). For each patient, the first eye undergoing surgery was randomized to either the Centurion configuration (Centurion Vision System with Active Fluidics; 0.9-mm 45° Balanced tip) or the Infiniti configuration (Infiniti Vision System with gravity fluidics; 0.9-mm 45° Mini-Flared Kelman tip). Second-eye surgery was completed using the alternate configuration. Aspiration Fluid was carefully removed from the fluid collection bag and bag resealed after successful priming of each system. The drainage bag was then removed from the consumable assembly immediately after surgery to determine fluid used. The value was then compared to a displayed machine estimation using an integrated pressure-time calculation method. Results were then compared for each system to determine measured vs. system generated accuracy.<br />
Results
The accuracy of aspiration fluid use estimates, as calculated by each phaco machine, was similar to the weighted measurements. The mean ± SD of actual weight-measured and system calculated aspiration fluid used were 48±14.4 mL and 52.3±16.9 mL, respectively, with the Centurion configuration, and 54±17.9 mL and 56.7±20.1 mL with the Infiniti configuration. Each estimated value was with 8.2% of the weighed measurement.
Conclusions
Both the phaco-emulsifiers provided accurate aspiration fluid estimation. Being able to accurately measure aspiration fluid used without involving significant effort and invading the sterile surgical field has benefit.