Randomized Comparison of Concentrix and Venturi Vacuum Pump Systems Used for Phacoemulsification Cataract Extraction

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Vacuum pump technology is a fundamental component of phacoemulsification cataract extraction and may be a significant variable in surgical complications. Our aim is to compare the differences including incidence and type of complications experienced during cataract surgery between the Venturi^TM and Concentrix^TM, two commonly used vacuum pump systems. Methods: Both the Concentrix^TM and Venturi^TM vacuum systems were studied using the Millennium^TM phacoemulsification unit. Patients undergoing routine cataract extraction at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital were randomized to one of the two pumps. Preoperative cataract grading, intraoperative phacoemulsification parameters, and post–operative data were collected. Surgeon specific data was collected. Results: 107 patients underwent cataract extraction, 55 with the Concentrix^TM, and 52 with the Venturi^TM. Both randomized populations are statistically similar with regard to nuclear density and surgeon experience. Average ultrasound was 29.05±8.95% for the Concentrix^TM and 27.77±6.97% for the Venturi^TM. Ultrasound elapse time (min:sec) was 2:27±1:15 for the Concentrix^TM and 2:29±0:57 for the Venturi^TM. Absolute ultrasound (min:sec) was 0:43±0:29 for the Concentrix^TM and 0:44±0:20 for the Venturi^TM. Mean case time (min:sec) was 53:48±23:13 for the Concentrix^TM and 54:26±20:57 for the Venturi^TM. The differences between all intraoperative parameters were not statistically significant. There were 7 intraoperative complications during the study where the vacuum pump may have been a factor, 5 with the Concentrix^TM and 2 with the Venturi^TM. Chi–square analysis demonstrated this to be not statistically different. Conclusions: This study indicates that both pumps appear to be equally effective during cataract phacoemulsification. While the Concentrix^TM pump showed a trend toward more posterior capsular tear than with the Venturi^TM system, this was not shown to be statistically significant. Both pumps appear to have a similar complication rate and appear to be equally safe.

Keywords: cataract • treatment outcomes of cataract surgery • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled