Our Summary

This research paper is about a comparison between two types of vitrectomy probes, which are used during eye surgeries to remove the vitreous, a gel-like substance in the eye. The two probes are the HYPERVIT, which makes 20,000 cuts per minute and the Advanced ULTRAVIT, which makes 10,000 cuts per minute. Both are produced by Alcon.

The researchers tested how much fluid each probe could draw in. They used a balanced salt solution and pig eye jelly (porcine cadaver vitreous), at different cutting rates. The probes were put in an open container, and they measured the amount of fluid drawn in using a very accurate scale.

They also tested the nearfield effects, which is how the fluid around the probe moves, and flow pulsatility, how much the flow changes with each cut, using a computer simulation. They also checked how much the probe pulled on the eye jelly by attaching it to a beam and measuring how much the beam bent.

The results showed that the HYPERVIT probe pulled in a similar amount of fluid at all cutting rates. As the cutting rate increased, it pulled in more eye jelly. When cutting at the maximum rate, the HYPERVIT pulled in 62%-67% more fluid (25 gauge) and 63% more fluid (27 gauge) than the Advanced ULTRAVIT. It also pulled in 44%-47% more eye jelly (25 gauge) and 26%-32% more eye jelly (27 gauge) than the Advanced ULTRAVIT.

The HYPERVIT also caused less disturbance in the fluid around it and pulled less on the eye jelly than the Advanced ULTRAVIT.

The conclusion was that the dual-action HYPERVIT probe performed better than the single-action Advanced ULTRAVIT probe. It pulled in more fluid, caused less disturbance in the fluid around it, and pulled less on the eye jelly.

FAQs

  1. How were the flow rates of the dual-cutting 20,000 cpm vitrectomy probe and single-cutting 10,000 cpm probe evaluated?
  2. What differences were observed between the HYPERVIT and Advanced ULTRAVIT probes in terms of flow rates and traction?
  3. What does the study conclude about the performance of dual-action versus single-action probes in vitrectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to ask about the type of vitrectomy probe being used during the procedure. Dual-cutting probes, such as the HYPERVIT probe, have been shown to have greater aspiration flow, reduced nearfield effects, and lower traction forces compared to single-cutting probes. This can potentially lead to a smoother and more efficient surgery with less risk of complications. It is important for patients to discuss these details with their doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for vitrectomy include those with:

  1. Diabetic retinopathy
  2. Macular pucker
  3. Macular hole
  4. Retinal detachment
  5. Vitreous hemorrhage
  6. Epiretinal membrane
  7. Vitreomacular traction syndrome
  8. Vitreous floaters

It is important for patients to consult with their ophthalmologist to determine if vitrectomy is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes a consultation with an eye specialist to discuss the need for vitrectomy and the potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet in preparation for surgery.
  4. On the day of surgery, patient is advised not to eat or drink anything for a certain period of time before the procedure.

After vitrectomy:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate complications or adverse reactions to the surgery.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye following the procedure.
  3. Patient is prescribed eye drops or medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  4. Patient is instructed to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a certain period of time to allow the eye to heal properly.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their eye specialist to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing of the eye.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How does the dual-cutting 20,000 cpm vitrectomy probe (HYPERVIT) compare to the single-cutting 10,000 cpm probe (Advanced ULTRAVIT) in terms of flow rates for both aqueous and vitreous fluid?

  2. What are the potential benefits of using the HYPERVIT probe over the Advanced ULTRAVIT probe in terms of reducing nearfield effects during the vitrectomy procedure?

  3. Can you explain the significance of the reduced traction forces observed with the HYPERVIT probe compared to the Advanced ULTRAVIT probe, and how this may impact the overall success and safety of the vitrectomy procedure?

  4. Are there any specific cases or conditions in which you would recommend using the HYPERVIT probe over the Advanced ULTRAVIT probe for a vitrectomy procedure?

  5. Is there any additional information or research available on the performance and efficacy of the HYPERVIT probe compared to other vitrectomy probes on the market?

Reference

Authors: Steel DH, Charles M, Zhu Y, Tambat S, Irannejad AM, Charles S. Journal: Retina. 2022 Nov 1;42(11):2150-2158. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003573. Epub 2022 Jul 21. PMID: 35868025