A Phaco Machine (Phacoemulsification System) is a specialized surgical device for modern cataract surgery, using ultrasonic vibrations from a tiny handpiece tip to break up the eye's cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are then vacuumed out (aspirated) and replaced with an artificial lens, all through a tiny incision, making the procedure quick, minimally invasive, and highly effective. These machines manage fluidics (irrigation/aspiration), control ultrasonic power (longitudinal, torsional, elliptical), and use a foot pedal for surgeon control, ensuring stable eye pressure and precise removal of the cataract.
Phaco Machine
Overview
Key Components & Functions:
- Ultrasonic Handpiece: The core component with a vibrating tip (27-60kHz) that emulsifies the cataract.
- Irrigation/Aspiration (I/A): Delivers balanced salt solution (irrigation) to maintain eye pressure and remove emulsified lens material (aspiration).
- Fluidics System: Manages fluid flow (gravity or pump-driven) and vacuum levels for stable intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Foot Pedal: Controls flow, vacuum, and ultrasound power, often with linear control (more pedal = more power/vacuum).
- Control Unit: Adjusts power, vacuum, flow, and mode (longitudinal, torsional, elliptical).
How it Works (Phacoemulsification):
- Incision: A small incision (around 2-3mm) is made in the cornea.
- Phaco Tip Insertion: The ultrasonic handpiece is inserted to emulsify the cloudy lens nucleus.
- Emulsification: The tip vibrates at high speed (ultrasonic), creating cavitation and shockwaves to break the lens into fine particles.
- Aspiration: The pump creates a vacuum, pulling the emulsified lens fragments out through the tip.
- Cortex Removal: Irrigation/aspiration removes the remaining soft lens cortex.
- IOL Implantation: An artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted into the capsular bag.