Two-Dimensional Cutting (TDC) Vitrectome: in vitro flow assessment and prospective clinical study evaluating core vitrectomy efficiency versus standard vitrectome

Purpose. to evaluate comparative aspiration flow performance and also vitrectomy operating time efficiency using a double-cutting open port vitreous cutting system incorporated in a two-dimensional cutting (tdc,dorc international) vitrectome design versus standard vitreous cutter. methods. in vitro investigations compared aspiration flow rates in artificial vitreous humor at varying cutter speeds and vacuum levels using a tdc vitrectome and a standard vitrectome across different aspiration pump systems. a prospective single-centre clinical study evaluated duration of core vitrectomy in 80 patients with macular pucker undergoing 25-gauge or 27-gauge vitrectomy using either a tdc vitrectome at 16,000 cuts per minute (cpm) or standard single-cut vitrectome,combined with a valve timing intelligence (vti) pump system (eva,dorc international). results. aspiration flow rates remained constant independent of tdc vitrectome cut rate,while flow rates decreased linearly at higher cutter speeds using a classic single-blade vitrectome. mean duration of core vitrectomy surgeries using a tdc vitreous cutter system was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter than the mean duration of core vitrectomy procedures using a single-cut vitrectome of the same diameter (reduction range,34%-50%). conclusion. vitrectomy surgery performed using a tdc vitrectome was faster than core vitrectomy utilizing a standard single-action vitrectome at similar cut speeds. © 2016 mitrofanis pavlidis.