Optimization and comparison of a 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm tip on an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of varying levels of torsional power on phacoemulsification efficiency using an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform with a 0.7 mm Sonata tip.

SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

DESIGN: Experimental study.

METHODS: A 0.7 mm tip was used to emulsify 2.0 mm porcine lenses that had been hardened in formalin. The torsional power was varied from 10% to 100% at intervals of 10%, and efficiency and chatter were recorded. A comparison of the 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm Balanced tip was also performed. Using a torsional power setting of 90% and 100%, the 0.7 mm tip and the 0.9 mm tip efficiency times were recorded.

RESULTS: The study showed an increase in efficiency as torsional power increased. The relationship was linear and more efficient up to 90% (R2  = .8025, P = .0005). Chatter was only observed at a torsional power setting of 60%. In addition, a head-to-head comparison of the 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm tip showed that both tips were statistically similar in efficiency times, despite the smaller diameter of the 0.7 mm tip.

CONCLUSIONS: The optimum torsional power setting with the Centurion platform in conjunction with the 0.7 mm tip was 90%. The efficiency of the 0.7 mm tip and the 0.9 mm tip was statistically similar.