First Author: K.Jasani UNITED KINGDOM
Co Author(s): M. Shekarchian K. Taherian
Purpose:
To describe using animations and video, a very safe, simple and effective method for using a coaxial I/A cannula with a 90 degree angulated tip for removal of cortical matter specially sub-incisional cortex during phacoemulsification surgery. This technique avoids the need for tilting by using rotation which allows the aspiration port to face upwards at all times thereby avoiding the possibility of inadvertent posterior capsular (PC) rupture.
Setting:
: A National Health Service teaching hospital in the UK.
Methods:
Retrospective case series of 405 eyes of patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery between June 2010 and October 2011 on a single firm in our hospitals. The surgeries were performed by surgeons of varying grade and prior level of experience ranging from junior trainees to consultant level. All surgeons employed the same technique for I/A.
Results:
There were no instances of PC rupture during I/A stage of the surgery amongst the whole study population irrespective of surgeon experience. None of the patients had any significant residual cortex after surgery.
Conclusions:
Our results indicate that this is a very safe and efficacious technique for I/A. We recommend the routine use of this technique for surgeons using the coaxial method of automated I/A and for teaching cataract surgery skills to trainees.
Financial Disclosure:
No
