Thermal analysis of different tips for various operating modes of phacoemulsification system

Radin Tahvildari, Hanieh Fattahi, Ahmad Amjadi

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DOI: 10.4236/jbise.2010.37097                

Abstract

Cataract is an opacity that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye, due to alteration in some of its protein fibers, with the consequent impairment of visual acuity. The most effective and common treatment is to surgically remove the cloudy lens. In this process the crystalline lens are removed and the eye’s refraction power is restored by inserting an artificial lens. Pha- coemulsification refers to modern cataract surgery in which the eye’s internal lens is emulsified with an ultrasonic hand piece, and aspirated from the eye. Aspirated fluids are replaced with irrigation of balanced salt solution, thus maintaining the anterior chamber, as well as cooling the hand piece. The patient can be released soon after the operation. The problem of this procedure in some cases is thermal damage. This research addresses the aforementioned problem through an important parameter, different operating modes of the system. The proposed in-vitro approach has been investigated in details.

Keywords

Cataract Surgery; Phacoemulsification; Thermal Damages; In Vitro Measurement; Thermocouples

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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