Length and frequency of intraoperative occlusive events with new torsional phacoemulsification software

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency profile of new torsional phacoemulsification software. SETTING: Eye Institute of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Routine cataract surgeries were performed using standard torsional (Ozil) and new torsional (Ozil IP) software. The new software uses occasional pulses of longitudinal energy that are operator specified and system controlled to manage potential occlusion. The new software was compared with the previous standard software, which did not include this option. The video monitor system was recorded in high definition. Measurement of cumulative dissipated energy, balanced salt solution use, and amount of time spent in occlusion were measured in a frame‐by‐frame review of the recorded videos. Data were categorized for analysis by software group and cataract grade (1 to 4). RESULTS: The study comprised 59 eyes that had cataract removal using the new torsional software and 59 eyes using the standard torsional software. Cumulative dissipated energy was not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups. Balanced salt solution use, time spent in occlusion, and the mean longest continuous occlusion were significantly lower with the new torsional software; these differences were greater as the cataract grade increased. CONCLUSIONS: The new torsional software significantly decreased occlusion time and balanced salt solution use over standard torsional software, particularly with denser cataracts. The net result was a relatively better safety cataract surgery profile. Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.