Characterization of the fluidic properties of a syringe-based portable vitrectomy device

To compare the fluidic properties of the Intrector syringe-based vitrectomy device with other commercially available systems to evaluate its safety in the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.

Mean operator comfortable sustainable syringe plunger pull force was determined using a spring-loaded digital scale. Vacuum levels for syringes of different volumes (3, 5, and 10 mL) and pulling forces were quantified with a pressure transducer. Flow rates of water and egg white were measured both with the cutter at 600 cuts per minute and in the off position with the port open. Infusion flow of water was evaluated using a 1-mL syringe.

The mean plunger pull force among operators (n = 8) was 0.80 kg (SD, 0.20 kg). Using the 3-mL syringe with 0.91 kg pull force, mean vacuum level was 135.9 mmHg (SD, 4.8 mmHg) and mean cutter-on flow rates of water and egg white were 1.9 mL/min (SD, 0.1 mL/min) and 0.5 mL/min (SD, 0.1 mL/min), respectively. Larger-bore syringes generated lower vacuum levels and liquid flow rates.

The fluidic parameters of the Intrector vitrectomy device measured in this study suggest that at comfortable sustainable syringe pull forces, vacuum levels and liquid aspiration rates are similar to some other commercially available systems and are likely safe.