The effect of forced infusion in phacoemulsification training: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Cataract surgery safety and stability are crucial during anterior chamber dynamics.
• The role of forced infusion (FI) in training cataract surgeons is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of forced infusion (FI) on cataract surgery outcomes performed by surgical trainees.
• To compare the effectiveness of FI versus gravity infusion (GI) in a training setting.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study analyzed 100 phacoemulsification surgeries by 7 trainees.
• Surgeries were performed using peristaltic pump machines with either gravity infusion (GI) or forced infusion (FI).
• Key outcomes included surgical time, cumulative dissipated ultrasound energy (CDE), fluid consumption, chamber collapses, posterior capsule rupture, corneal edema, and endothelial cell loss.

Main Results:

• Forced infusion (FI) group showed significantly shorter surgical times (19.2 min vs. 24.6 min) and lower CDE (10.1%/sec vs. 12.4%/sec) compared to gravity infusion (GI).
• FI also resulted in lower fluid consumption (282 mL vs. 310 mL) and fewer posterior capsule ruptures (2 vs. 9).
• Postoperative corneal edema and endothelial cell loss were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Forced infusion (FI) is associated with improved efficiency and reduced intraoperative complications in cataract surgery training.
• FI facilitates shorter surgical times, lower CDE, and decreased fluid usage for trainees.
• These findings highlight the benefits of FI in enhancing surgical safety and learning during cataract surgery training.