Ultrasonic Vitrectomy Performance Assessment Using Micro-Extensional Rheology
Vitrectomy, or the surgical removal of vitreous, is a required step in most vitreo-retinal surgical procedures. Vitreous is a transparent gel-like substance found between the lens capsule and retina. It is composed of an inflated and highly hydrated collagen matrix with 99 wt.% water, 0.9 wt.% salts, and less than 0.1 wt.% collagen and hyaluronic acid. Vitreous is related to various functions, including maintaining transparency, protecting the retina from trauma, and other metabolic requirements. Due to the highly connected matrix of collagen fibers, vitreous removal can cause traction in areas of localized retinal adhesion. Thus, vitrectomy must temper extraction speed with the cutting action to maintain retina safety. Conventional pneumatic blade (PB) cutters use a “guillotine-style” cutter to aspirate vitreous out of the eye