Vitrectomy fluidics

Abstract

The goal of all vitreous surgery is to perform the desired intraoperative intervention with minimum collateral damage in the most efficient way possible. An understanding of the principles of fluidics is of importance to all vitreoretinal surgeons to achieve these aims. Advances in technology mean that surgeons are being given increasing choice in the settings they are able to select for surgery. Manufacturers are marketing systems with aspiration driven by peristaltic, Venturi and hybrid pumps. Increasingly fast cut rates are offered with optimised, and in some cases surgeon-controlled, duty cycles. Function-specific cutters are becoming available and narrow-gauge instrumentation is evolving to meet surgeon demands with higher achievable flow rates. In parallel with the developments in outflow technology, infusion systems are advancing with lowering flow resistance and intraocular pressure control to improve fluidic stability during surgery. This review discusses the important aspects of fluidic technology so that surgeons can select the optimum machine parameters to carry out safe and effective surgery.