User's Manual

5 • Anterior Segment Surgery Operating Modes
WHITESTAR SIGNATURE™ System Rx Only – Z370147 Rev. C 1008 5-6
Continuous Irrigation
Continuous Irrigation is designed for collection of balanced salt solution for use
during the case. This function opens the irrigation valve for fluid collection
independent of the footpedal or prime cycle.
To activate Continuous Irrigation:
1. On the side panel, press the Continuous Irrigation button. This opens the
valve and starts the flow of irrigation fluid.
2. Press Continuous Irrigation again to deactivate the continuous irrigation.
Figure 5.5 – Continuous Irrigation
Phacoemulsification
The purpose of phacoemulsification or PHACO is to emulsify the lens material.
The phacoemulsification (phaco) handpiece provides ultrasonic energy, irrigation
and aspiration simultaneously so that the lens material is extracted as it is
emulsified. The phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow needle that vibrates
longitudinally at an ultrasonic frequency or a blend of longitudinal and transversal,
if using the Ellips™. The rapid movement of the needle and the resulting
cavitational energy disintegrates the cataract on contact. The debris is removed by
suction through the hollow needle (aspiration). The resulting loss in volume of the
anterior chamber is compensated by incoming balanced salt solution (irrigation).