Posters

Sandwich-chop technique for disassembly of hard nucleus

Poster Details

First Author: G.Chen CHINA

Co Author(s):                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

We describe a recently developted chopper, the Wang’s chopper, and a new technique for disassembly of hard nucleus in phacoemulsification. The sandwich-chop technique enables the surgeon to disassemble the hard nucleus effectively and safely.

Setting:

Several chop techniques have been introduced and modified with various advantages and disadvantages. However, for hard nucleus, chop is challenging and characterized by certain problems, such as corneal endothelial damage, and especially, difficulty in devision the hard nucleus completely because of the presence of a leathery posterior nuclear plate.

Methods:

We describe the sandwich-chop technique, which uses a special chopper (Wang’s chopper) placed behind the nucleus. Chopper, nucleus and phaco tip array similar to sandwich. The Wang’s chopper inserts into the gap between the posterior capsule and the posterior of nucleus. The chopper is moved vertically from the nucleus posterior toward the phaco tip to split the nucleus into 2 hemispheres. The hemispheres are rotated by the phaco tip and splitting is repeated in the same manner until the nucleus divided in pieces. Each piece is the aspirated and emulsified on the horizontal of the anterior capsule.

Results:

The sandwich-chop technique was first introduced by one of the authors (S.W.), who has completed more than 50 000 cases using this chop technique since 2003. After learing from Dr. Wang’s practice, many surgeons mastered sandwich-chop technique and applied to clinical practice. All the surgeons found this chop technique was effective and safe, especially for hard nucleus cases, while the phaco time and energy decreased significantly. In only a few cases did they encounter the occurrence of chopper tears in the anterior capsule, especially in the initial stage of learning this chop technique.

Conclusions:

The sandwich-chop technique presents a new way to split the hard nucleus. The special chopper placed behind the nucleus. Chopper, nucleus and phaco tip array similar to sandwich. And the chopper is moved vertically from the nucleus posterior toward the phaco tip to split the nucleus.

Financial Disclosure:

None