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. 2022 Jun 1:16:1731-1737.
doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S356657. eCollection 2022.

Measurement of Phacoemulsification Vacuum Pressure in the Oertli CataRhex3

John S Peterson  1   2 , Caitlynn Cooper  1   2 , Emilie L Ungricht  1   2 , Christina Mamalis  1 , William Barlow  1 , Brian Zaugg  1 , Ashlie A Bernhisel  1 , Randall J Olson  1 , Jeff H Pettey  1
Affiliations

Measurement of Phacoemulsification Vacuum Pressure in the Oertli CataRhex3

John S Peterson et al. Clin Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the actual vacuum pressure generated by the Oertli CataRhex 3® (Oertli), using an external measuring system.

Methods: The effective vacuum pressure created by the Oertli was measured with a pressure device that was continuous with the vacuum tubing system while closed to the external environment. Measurements were taken with the machine set to 300 and 500 mmHg at flow rates of 20, 35, and 50 mL/min and at bottle heights of 60, 80, and 100 cm. Pressures were recorded after the foot pedal was depressed to vacuum setting (second position), and the pressure was allowed to stabilize. Subsequently, it was compared to the pressure value displayed by the machine.

Results: Externally measured vacuum pressure was on average 13.02% greater (39.05 mmHg) than displayed vacuum pressure at 300 mmHg (P < 0.005) and 8.60% greater (42.98 mmHg) than displayed vacuum at 500 mmHg (P < 0.005). The average difference between displayed and measured pressure increased with increasing bottle heights.

Conclusion: On average, the vacuum pressure generated in the Oertli was found to be significantly higher than the machine's reading when the machine was set at 300 mmHg and 500 mmHg. Adjusting vacuum had variable effects on the measured versus displayed pressure readings.

Keywords: Oertli CataRhex 3; bottle height; flow rate; phacoemulsification; vacuum pressure.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Randall J Olson is on the Board of Directors of Perceive Bio and the Scientific Advisory Board of Perfect Lens. Dr. Jeff H Pettey reports a consulting agreement for Lensar, outside the submitted work. The other authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Independent vacuum pressure measurement device.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Measured pressures with machine set to 500 mmHg and varying bottle heights and flow rates. Blue: flow = 20 m/min and R2, orange: flow = 35 mL/min and R2, gray: 50 mL/min and R2.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Measured pressures with machine set to 300 mmHg and varying bottle heights and flow rates. Blue: flow = 20 m/min and R2, orange: flow = 35 mL/min and R2, gray: 50 mL/min and R2.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Measured pressures with machine set to 500 mmHg and varying bottle heights and flow rates. Cross-hatch: bottle height = 60 cm and dotted line R2, diagonal: bottle height = 80 cm and dashed line, and horizontal: bottle height 100 cm and solid line R2.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Measured pressures with machine set to 300 mmHg and varying bottle heights and flow rates. Cross-hatch: bottle height = 60 cm and dotted line R2, diagonal: bottle height = 80 cm and dashed line R2, and horizontal: bottle height 100 cm and solid line R2.
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