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Correlation between cataract grading by Scheimpflug imaging and phaco time in phacoemulsification using peristaltic
Maria Sara Patrício1, Ana Catarina Almeida, Maria Picoto Rodrigues
1Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon - Portugal. msarapatricio@gmail.com
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 4, 2013
Summary
The Oculus Pentacam® Nucleus Grading System (PNS) objectively measures cataract density, correlating with effective phaco time (EPT). The venturi pump, compared to peristaltic, reduced surgical time (ST) for denser cataracts without increasing complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cataract grading systems are crucial for surgical planning and outcomes.
- Scheimpflug imaging offers objective assessment of nuclear cataract density.
- Phacoemulsification pump technology impacts surgical efficiency and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the Oculus Pentacam® Nucleus Grading System (PNS) and effective phaco time (EPT) and surgical time (ST).
- To compare the performance of peristaltic and venturi pumps on the Whitestar Signature Phaco System in relation to cataract density.
- To evaluate the impact of pump type on surgical outcomes and anterior chamber stability.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 60 patients undergoing bimanual microincision phacoemulsification.
- Patients were assessed using Pentacam® PNS for nuclear density.
- Randomization into two groups: peristaltic pump (Group 1) and venturi pump (Group 2).
- Effective phaco time (EPT) and surgical time (ST) were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant correlation was found between higher nuclear density grades and increased EPT for both peristaltic and venturi pumps (Spearman R = 0.739 and 0.924, respectively).
- Surgical time (ST) also increased with nuclear density in both groups (Spearman R = 0.620 and 0.643, respectively).
- The venturi pump group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in median ST for nucleus grading 2 through 5 compared to the peristaltic pump group.
Conclusions:
- The Pentacam® Nucleus Grading System (PNS) provides an objective and reproducible method for assessing nuclear cataract density, correlating well with effective phaco time (EPT).
- While both peristaltic and venturi pumps showed similar EPT, the venturi pump was associated with reduced median surgical time (ST) for denser cataracts.
- The use of the venturi pump did not lead to increased complications or compromise anterior chamber stability.
