Back to Freepaper Session

Ultrachopper versus divide and conquer for hard cataract

Session Details

Session Title: Phaco Techniques

Session Date/Time: Saturday 05/10/2013 | 08:30-10:30

Paper Time: 09:50

Venue: Main Lecture Hall (Ground Floor)

First Author: : S.Mahjoub TUNISIA

Co Author(s): :                  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare surgical parameters and clinical outcome using the Ultrachopper ( Infiniti system-Alcon ) versus the divide & Conquer technique in phacoemulsification of hard nucleus.

Setting:

Clinique Ophtalmologique Tunis

Methods:

Hard nucleus defined as unsuitable for manual pre-chopping were graded based on emulsification difficulty. 50 eyes in each group were assigned respectively to divide & conquer technique versus pre-chopping with the Ultrachopper. Cumulated ultra-sound energy, surgery duration and day one endothelial cell count , pachymetry and visual recovery were measured in each group.

Results:

Lens emulsification and aspiration duration was significantly longuer in the Ultrachopper group (average difference was 3 minutes). Ultra-sound cumulated energy was signicantly lower in the divide & conquer group ( 50% less average energy difference ) except for very hards nucleus ( no significant difference ). Day one endothelial cell count , pachymetry and visual recovery were similar in both groups.

Conclusions:

Similar clinical outcome was found following emulsification of hard nucleus using divide & conquer technique versus the Ultrachopper. The latter was associated with longuer emulsification time and higher ultrasound energy except for very hard nucleus.

Financial Interest:

NONE