Surgical parameter assessment using two Phacoemulsification Systems for grade I to IV cataracts

Aim: To compare the cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration fluid and aspiration time used during phacoemulsification using two surgical platforms. Methods: Consecutive eyes from patients undergoing cataract surgery were included. Lens opacities were graded from NO1NC1 to NO6NC6 using the LOCS III classification. Two platforms were evaluated: 1.Centurion® system with active-fluidics. 2. Infiniti® Vision System with gravity-fluidics. Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time (AT) and mean estimated aspiration fluid (EAF) were registered and compared. Results: A total of 216 eyes were evaluated. Mean age ± SD was 78.3 ± 9.8 years (range 57 to 92). Significant differences were evidenced for overall CDE per nuclear density for cataracts grade II to IV (p = 0.031, p =0.045 and p = 0.032 respectively). Aspiration time showed a significant disparity for cataracts graded II and III (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001), as the Estimated Aspiration Fluid (p = 0.001 and p = 0.042 respectively). All differences favoured the active-fluidics configuration group. Conclusions: Active-Fluidics System demonstrated to be more effective than Gravity-fluidics system for cataracts grade II-IV phacoemulsification.