[Phacoemulsification using burst mode].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of burst mode combined with high vacuum on phacoemulsification.

METHODS

Nine hundreds and fifty-four eyes (819 patients) were randomly divided into three groups (continue group, pulse group and burst group). Each group consisted of 318 eyes. A temporal clear corneal incision was performed in each group. Various phaco modes were used. In continue group, the vacuum was 160 mm Hg, max phaco power was 60%. In pulse group, vacuum was 160 mm Hg and the power was 60%. In burst group, vacuum was 250 - 300 mm Hg and the power was 60%. Actual phaco power, phaco time, visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell loss and other complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The actual phaco power in these 3 groups was 25.36% +/- 6.65%, 19.54% +/- 3.50% and 6.27% +/- 1.27%, respectively. Phaco time in these 3 groups was (222 +/- 30), (186 +/- 41) and (36 +/- 6) seconds, respectively. In comparison of the power and time among these 3 groups, the difference between continue group and pulse or burst group was significant (P = 0.005 and 0.0001). Visual acuity was significant improved in all 3 groups postoperatively. The difference between the continue group and the pulse group was not significant. The difference between the continue group and burst group was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in mean number of corneal endothelial cell between these 3 groups preoperatively. Endothelial cell loss postoperatively was lower in the pulse and burst groups than that in the continue group. The difference was significant between the continue group and pulse or burst group (P = 0.005 and 0.001). Serious corneal edema occurred more frequently in the continues group than that in the pulse and burst groups.

CONCLUSION

High vacuum combined with pulse or burst phaco mode reduced phaco time and actual phaco power consumed during phacoemulsification, especially in the burst mode, which enhanced the effectiveness of phaco chop and reduced the loss of corneal endothelial cell and corneal edema. It is safe to use the burst phacoemulsification clinically.