Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To avoid any particles under the flap during LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) procedure is necessary. As one of the factors, the quality of single-use and reusable LASIK cannulas were evaluated. Methods: Four types of single-use cannulas from 2 manufactures (S-1.2.3.4) and 3 types of reusable cannulas from 2 manufactures (R-1.2.3) were used in this study. To observe the quality, blemishes and foreign bodies on outer surface of the cannula, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on 3 samples of each type. To evaluate the quality of inside the cannula, flushed out water from the cannula was collected and filtered, and the particles left on the filtered paper were counted. The results of single-use cannulas were compared to those with reusable ones after 10 simulated uses. Results: Through SEM, the quality of single-use cannulas between manufactures was different, however, equal to or better than that of reusables. There was no obvious degradation in reusable cannulas after 10 simulated uses. The numbers of particles were 2.1±1.9 (background), 3.5±2.1 (S1), 3.7±2.5 (S2), 2.3±1.2 (S3), 17.4±22.2 (S4), 3.0±3.1 (R1), 7.7±4.4 (R2), 3.1±1.5 (R3). After 10 simulated uses, the particles of reusable cannulas were 0.3±0.5 (background), 1.3±1.3 (R1), 2.0±1.6 (R2), 3.1±4.1 (R3). There was a significant increase in the amount of particles inside the lumen of S4 and R2 as compared to the background (p=.000). After 10 simulated uses, the increase in the number of particles of R2 and R3 was statistically significant compared to the background (p=.02, p=.03). Conclusions: There appears to be differences in the quality of both single-use and reusable cannulas between manufacturers and some cannulas need improving in the area of cleanliness. More studies are required to determine the origin of particles.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: sys • microscopy: electron microscopy • refractive surgery: LASIK