[Comparison of different vitrectomy systems]

The vitrectomy systems in use today have greatly improved from a technical point of view since the introduction of this surgical technique in the 1970s. The TSV 25 (Transconjunctival Standard vitrectomy) using 25-gauge vitrectomy probes and the high-speed vitrectomy module is one of the latest significant advances. This new system does a complete vitrectomy without opening or closing the conjunctiva.

At the present time, three different aspiration modes (venturi, peristaltic and concentrix), two different probe diameters (20- and 25-gauge) and two cutting modes (pneumatic and high-speed) are available. The author assessed and compared the efficacy of the two different probe diameters and the two different cutting modes available with the venturi pump on the Millennium (Millennium Microsurgical system, Bausch & Lomb, Saint Louis, MO).

These estimates highlighted the better efficacy of the high-speed cutting mode in comparison to the pneumatical mode. Regarding the probe diameters, the 25-gauge probe is less efficient than the 20-gauge probe. Nevertheless, the flow difference between the two is minimal in comparison to its clinical benefit.