Evaluation of the capsular safety of a novel hybrid phacoemulsification tip in a cadaver eye model

Session Details

Session Title: Cataract Surgery Equipment

Session Date/Time: Monday 16/09/2019 | 08:30-10:30

Paper Time: 08:36

Venue: Free Paper Forum: Podium 3

First Author: : L.Werner USA

Co Author(s): :    C. Shumway    N. Ellis   J. Heczko   B. Jiang   N. Mamalis                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the use of a new hybrid phacoemulsification tip made with a high strength polymer overmold designed to prevent posterior capsule rupture (PCR) compared to a standard metal tip.

Setting:

John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Methods:

This is an ex-vivo crossover comparison study which compared a new phacoemulsification tip to a standard phacoemulsification tip. A series of ten phakic cadaver eyes were prepared using the Miyake-Apple technique, after which each tip was tested in series. After lensectomy, the posterior capsule was subjected to direct contact from the phacoemulsification tip. Vacuum limit was set to 150 mmHg, and aspiration flow rate to 30cc/min, after which the torsional energy was steadily increased by increments of 5% up to a maximum amplitude of 60%. The primary endpoint was the level of torsional energy needed to produce PCR.

Results:

Vacuum alone up to 300 mmHg did not cause PCR with either phacoemulsification tip. When phacoemulsification was applied, two sample T-test showed that the hybrid tip had a higher torsional % power before rupture of the posterior capsule compared to the standard tip, 55% compared to 15%, respectively (P value<0.001). These data indicate that there is a lower likelihood of PCR with the hybrid tip compared to the metal tip.

Conclusions:

The hybrid tip used in this study may be an effective means of preventing complications such as PCR, which may occur during phacoemulsification. This tip may be useful for both experienced surgeons and those in training.

Financial Disclosure:

research is funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented