Ultra-high-speed digital video images of vibrations of an ultrasonic tip and phacoemulsification

Abstract

Purpose: To visually compare ultrasonic tip vibrations during continuous-mode ultrasound (US), micropulse-mode US, and phacoemulsification using ultra-high-speed digital video imaging.

Setting: Miyoshi Eye Center, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan.

Method: An ultra-high-speed digital video camera was used to record different modes of ultrasonic oscillation. Samples used in the test chamber during phacoemulsification included a pig lens, a human lens nuclear fragment, and a piece of chestnut.

Results: The ultra-high-speed digital video camera clearly captured vibrations of the ultrasonic tip and allowed successful visualization of cavitation during continuous-mode and micropulse-mode US, chattering motion during continuous mode, and hyper-followability during micropulse mode.

Conclusion: The study visually showed that continuous-mode US produces chattering motion, while micropulse-mode US produces hyper-followability.