KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
- Surgical vitrectomy consoles have evolved tremendously and have incorporated the functions necessary for the vitreoretinal surgeon to perform safe and efficient surgery
- Volume flow always results as a consequence of a pressure gradient, and a balance of the inflow path (infusion cannula) with the outflow path (vitrectomy probe). The dynamic material characteristics of ocular tissue (ie vitreous, buffered saline solution, lens fragments, etc.) require precise inflow pressure gradient control
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) can be well-preserved by accounting for resistance (pressure drop) within the inflow circuit
- The stability and adjustability of vitrectomy probe performance at high speeds (> 5000 cuts per minute [CPM]) is best achieved by dual pneumatic driving pressure, controlling both the closing AND opening of the probe cutter