Fluid dynamics in three 25-gauge vitrectomy systems: principles for use in vitreoretinal surgery

Purpose: To compare infusion and extrusion fluid volumes with three 25-gauge vitrectomy systems. Methods: The infusion and aspiration rates of 25-gauge systems from Alcon (Fort Worth, TX, USA), Bausch & Lomb (St Louis, MO, USA), and the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Centre (DORC, Zuidland, the Netherlands) were measured in vitro using balanced saline solution with different heights (40, 609 80, 100, 120 cm) of infusion bottle, cutter velocities (800, 1100, 1500 cuts/min) and aspiration powers (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mmHg). Results: The infusion flow velocities differed among the systems (p < 0.001 for all comparisons lp-values 0.0009-0.00011). The aspiration rates of the Alcon and Bausch & Lomb systems were lower than that of the DORC system (p < 0.02 for all comparisons lp-values 0.018-0.0021). Conclusions: Infusion and extrusion fluid rates differ among 25-gauge vitrectomy systems. These results may help to optimize ideal aspiration and infusion parameters among 25-gauge vitrectomy systems used to treat vitreoretinal diseases.