COMPARISON OF RECENTLY USED PHACOEMULSIFICATION SYSTEMS USING A HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT METHOD

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Health Technology Assessment

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
• Evaluating different phacoemulsification systems is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and managing costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare four widely used phacoemulsification systems (Infiniti Vision, Centurion Vision, WhiteStar Signature, Stellaris Vision Enhancement) in Shanghai using a health technology assessment model.
• To analyze surgical efficacy, patient outcomes, and associated costs for each system.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to chief cataract surgeons in 18 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai.
• Data from 150 senile cataract patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery were collected and compared across the four systems.
• Surgical results, cumulative dissipated energy, visual acuity, and total surgery costs were recorded.

Main Results:

• All four systems facilitated satisfactory vision recovery in cataract patients.
• The Centurion Vision system demonstrated the lowest cumulative dissipated energy.
• No serious complications were observed; all groups showed positive visual acuity trends post-surgery.
• The Centurion Vision system incurred the highest total surgery costs, primarily due to consumable expenses.

Conclusions:

• Each phacoemulsification system evaluated offers effective vision recovery for cataract patients.
• Significant differences exist in surgical efficacy (e.g., energy consumption) and overall costs among the systems.
• The Centurion Vision system, while efficient in energy use, presents higher cost implications.