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Choice of phaco mode, viscoelastic influence anterior chamber temperature
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HAMBURG, Germany — The phaco parameters and viscoelastic type that a surgeon chooses can influence the temperature in the anterior chamber during phaco, according to a study here.
J.M. Heisler, MD, and colleagues used a spatula with an integrated probe to measure temperature continuously during 50 cases of phacoemulsification.
The researchers used different energy modes ranging from zero to 100%, and pulse modes ranging from 3 to 10 pulses per second or continuous ultrasonic output. Different viscoelastic substances were also used.
They found that average anterior chamber temperature was 30° C, and it adapted to the temperature of the irrigation fluid within seconds after irrigation was initiated.
During phaco, each use of ultrasound caused an increase in temperature. While performing phaco in continuous mode, the maximum rise in temperature was 3.5° C. During pulse mode, the rise was as much as 1.7° C. Dr. Heisler noted that even one single ultrasound pulse can increase the anterior chamber temperature by 0.8° C close to the phaco tip.
The rise in temperature correlated with the viscosity of the viscoelastic substance used, the researchers found.
“Up to now, we did not encounter any critical degrees of temperature, but it should be pointed out that a functional irrigation unit, the use of pulse mode or permanent ultrasonic output, and in particular, the type of viscoelastic material used, are all important parameters influencing the rise of temperature during phaco,” they wrote in the June issue of Der Ophthalmologe.