Torsional mode versus conventional ultrasound mode phacoemulsification: randomized comparative clinical study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure to restore vision.
• Phacoemulsification is the standard method for cataract removal.
• Different ultrasound modes exist, each with potential benefits and drawbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes of cataract surgery using torsional mode versus conventional ultrasound mode.
• Evaluate the efficacy and safety of torsional mode phacoemulsification with the Infiniti Vision System.

Main Methods:

• A randomized comparative study involving 525 eyes.
• Eyes were assigned to either torsional mode or conventional ultrasound (US) mode phacoemulsification.
• Outcomes measured included ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), surgical complications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal clarity, central corneal thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell count.

Main Results:

• Torsional mode showed significantly lower mean UST and CDE across all nucleus density grades compared to conventional US mode (P<.001).
• Postoperative BCVA and CCT were significantly better in the torsional group at 1 and 7 days (P<.001), with no significant difference at 30 days (P>.01).
• Endothelial cell count was significantly lower in the torsional group at 7 and 30 days (P<.001).

Conclusions:

• Torsional mode phacoemulsification may offer more effective lens removal with reduced ultrasound energy and time.
• The findings suggest potential advantages of torsional mode for cataract surgery, warranting further investigation into long-term effects.