[In vivo measurement of temperature during phacoemulsification]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• In vitro temperature measurements in the anterior chamber led to the development of a novel spatula with an integrated probe.
• This device enables continuous temperature monitoring during phacoemulsification with minimal surgical effort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a new spatula-integrated probe for real-time anterior chamber temperature measurement during phacoemulsification.
• To assess the impact of different surgical parameters on intraocular temperature variations.

Main Methods:

• Temperature was measured in the anterior chamber during 50 phacoemulsification procedures.
• Various energy modes (0-100%), pulse frequencies (3-10 Hz), and continuous ultrasonic output were employed.
• Different viscoelastic substances were utilized and their effect on temperature was observed.

Main Results:

• The average anterior chamber temperature stabilized at 30°C with irrigation.
• Phacoemulsification caused temperature increases, with a maximum of 3.5°C in continuous mode and 1.7°C in pulse mode.
• A single pulse could raise the temperature by 0.8°C near the phacotip; temperature rise correlated with viscoelastic substance viscosity.

Conclusions:

• The developed probe is a practical tool for monitoring anterior chamber temperature during phacoemulsification.
• No critical temperatures were encountered, but irrigation, ultrasonic mode, and viscoelastic material are key factors influencing temperature.
• Further studies with the new probe will provide additional insights into intraocular thermal dynamics.