Comparison of venturi and peristaltic vacuum in phacoemulsification.

Purpose To evaluate the efficiency of peristaltic-based and venturi-based vacuums. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods Porcine lenses were hardened with formalin and cut into 2.0 mm cubes. Time to fragment removal (efficiency) and fragment bounces off the tip (chatter) were measured using a Signature machine with the ability to switch between peristaltic-based and venturi-based vacuum. Micropulse longitudinal and transversal ultrasound motions were tested. Results Venturi-based vacuum had increased efficiency and decreased chatter compared with peristaltic-based vacuum at lower vacuum levels. Conclusion Use of a venturi-based vacuum, when available, may result in reduced clearance time of lens material and mitigate chatter even under noisy conditions. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.