Comparison of burst, pulse, and linear modes used in phacoemulsification surgery.

Purpose: To compare different ultrasound modes used in phacoemulsification surgery in terms of their efficacy and outcomes during and after surgery.

Methods: A total of 86 patients with cataract diagnosis who underwent phacoemulsification surgery in Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital Eye Diseases Clinic between November 2006 and February 2008 were included in the study and were prospectively analyzed. Patients were randomized into 3 groups based on the phacoemulsification mode to be used (burst, pulse, and linear mode).

Results: Mean phacoemulsification time was 40.32+/-33.14 seconds, ultrasound time was 19.94+/-9.10 seconds, and effective ultrasound time was 20.16+/-16.57 seconds in Group I; mean phaco time was 79.90+/-65.52 seconds, ultrasound time was 15.30+/-5.74 seconds, and effective ultrasound time was 39.95+/-32.76 seconds in Group II; and mean phaco time was 75.75+/-50.56 seconds, ultrasound time was 11.65+/-2.91 seconds, and effective ultrasound time was 37.87+/-22.89 seconds in Group III. Central corneal thickness measurements with pachymetry were 586.61+/-46.86 microm on day 1, 555.54+/-39.31 microm at week 1, 543.29+/-33.88 microm at month 1, and 543.29+/-33.88 microm at month 3 in Group I; 549.83+/-49.18 microm on day 1, 530.03+/-46.42 microm at week 1, 524.32+/-45.76 microm at month 1, and 521.32+/-45.26 microm at month 3 in Group III; and 572.91+/-39.12 microm on day 1, 545.91+/-32.67 microm at week 1, 537.70+/-29.77 microm at month 1, and 534.04+/-28.64 microm at month 3 in Group III.

Conclusions: Phacoemulsification power should be kept at minimum in order to induce minimal trauma and to achieve early rehabilitation.