COMPARATIVE FLOW AND OPERATING EFFICIENCY OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL CUTTING VELOCE 27-GAUGE VITRECTOME

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Vitrectomy surgery is a common ophthalmic procedure.
• Efficient removal of vitreous humor is crucial for surgical success.
• Advancements in vitrectomy probe technology aim to improve surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the aspiration flow rates and core vitrectomy times of a new 27-gauge (G) 20,000 cuts per minute (CPM) dual action cutting (two-dimensional cutting [TDC]) vitrectomy probe (TDC Veloce) against a standard 27-G 16,000 CPM TDC probe.

Main Methods:

• In vitro testing evaluated aspiration flow rates in various fluids using the EVA Nexus system.
• A single-surgeon, randomized controlled clinical study compared core vitrectomy duration in patients (n=42) using either the TDC Veloce or standard TDC probe with EVA Nexus.

Main Results:

• The 27-G TDC Veloce probe demonstrated significantly higher aspiration flow rates across all tested fluids (31-69% increase; P < 0.001).
• Higher flow rates were observed at cut speeds exceeding 16,000 CPM.
• Mean core vitrectomy time was significantly shorter with the TDC Veloce 20,000 CPM probe (59.5 seconds) compared to the standard TDC 16,000 CPM probe (98.6 seconds; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• The increased aspiration flow of the 27-G TDC Veloce probe leads to a significant reduction in core vitrectomy time.
• The modified vitrectome offers greater procedural efficiency during vitrectomy surgery.