Heat production: Longitudinal versus torsional phacoemulsification

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a key cataract surgery technique.
• Heat generation during phacoemulsification can pose thermal risks to ocular tissues.
• Comparing heat production of different phacoemulsification modes is crucial for surgical safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively compare heat production between longitudinal and torsional phacoemulsification.
• To evaluate thermal differences under standardized laboratory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Two phacoemulsification handpieces (Infiniti) were tested in simulated surgical conditions.
• Thermal imaging recorded temperatures in balanced salt solution over time.
• Comparisons were made at equal power, stroke length, and applied energy settings.

Main Results:

• Torsional mode consistently produced lower temperatures than longitudinal mode across all tested parameters.
• At equivalent displayed power, longitudinal phacoemulsification generated up to 41.5°C higher temperatures.
• Simulated incision compression and tip occlusion were employed.

Conclusions:

• Torsional phacoemulsification demonstrates superior thermal performance compared to longitudinal mode.
• Reduced heat generation with torsional technology may enhance intraoperative thermal protection.
• Findings support the potential benefits of torsional phacoemulsification in minimizing thermal injury.