ULTRASOUND IN VITRECTOMY: An Alternative Approach to Traditional Vitrectomy Techniques. Issue 1 (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rizzo, Stanislao; Fantoni, Gualtiero; Mucciolo, Dario Pasquale; Giorni, Andrea; Volpi, Lorenzo; Pierallini, Michele; Mazzoni, Andrea; Faraldi, Francesco
• Is Part Of: Retina. Volume 40:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: vitrectomy -- ultrasound -- flow rate -- vitreous cutter; Retina -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Retinal Diseases; Vitreous Body; 617.735
• DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000002354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-004X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To study a prototype of an ultrasound-based vitrector, and to try to understand the physical phenomena underlying this new technology. Methods: We tested the ultrasound-based vitrector prototype (UV) (ultrasonically-driven handpiece obtained from a modified version of the Alcon CONSTELLATION Vision System [Alcon]) using an automatic experimental setup. Balanced saline solution (BSS) and vitreous (from fresh postmortem enucleated porcine eyes) flow rates were analyzed using three different tips. Results: In general, BSS solution flow rates increased with increasing aspiration levels and decreased when we used % US power. Vitreous flow rates were influenced by aspiration levels, % US power, and ultrasound-related phenomena: cavitation phenomenon and "jet streaming." Conclusion: Ultrasound-based vitrectomy may represent an important alternative to traditional vitrectomy. Such a tool, capable of liquefying and excising the vitreous body using ultrasound, could overcome all the limits of the guillotine-based technique (GV). Knowledge of the physical phenomena underlying ultrasound-based technology is a necessary prerequisite for further development of this new technology. Abstract : Ultrasound-based vitrectomy may represent an important alternative to traditional vitrectomy. Such a tool, capable of liquefying and excising the vitreous body using ultrasound, could overcome all the limits of the guillotine-based technique. Knowledge of the physical phenomena underlying ultrasound-based technology is a necessary prerequisite for further development of this technology.