An Experimental Low-Cost Ultrasonic Phacoemulsifier—A Prototype Test

Abstract

The structure and the features of a low-cost ultrasonic phacoemulsification prototype device are described in this paper. The phacoemulsifier was designed to comply with the techniques of modern cataract surgery. The functionality and reliability of the device were confirmed through in vitro experiments and animal studies. The device was designed to minimize surgical trauma: Reduced heat dissipation was achieved by specific power modulation, while the original design of aspiration control assured a reduced surge effect. In order to assess the suitability of the device, phacoemulsification was performed on rabbit eyes with nuclei of medium hardness. Their recovery was closely observed and only mild inflammation caused by surgical trauma was noticed. The device performed well in terms of reliability, ergonomics, and controllability throughout the experiments.