Longitudinal and transversal handpieces on phaco system produce similar results
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves breaking up and removing the natural lens with a phacoemulsification (phaco) device, then replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens. Phaco handpieces and settings can be changed to achieve various goals. Although phaco is very safe, the process can put the cornea at risk of irreparable damage. One of the risk factors is the length of time and the energy used during phacoemulsification. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the surgeon to optimize settings for efficient removal of the natural lens. In this study, we compared the efficiency of longitudinal and transversal handpieces. Pig lenses soaked in formalin were used to replicate a human natural lens with a cataract. Efficiency was measured by the time taken to separate the lenses into two pieces using a process called grooving. The findings in this study by Wilkinson et al are important for determining which handpiece is most efficient for grooving.
Cataractous lenses were simulated by exposing porcine lenses to formalin for 2 hours. A total of 120 lenses were analyzed at various power settings on both longitudinal and transversal handpieces. Twenty trials each were performed with power set to 25%, 50%, and 75% on both handpieces. A Whitestar Phaco Handpiece System was used to provide longitudinal power, and a Whitestar Signature Ellipsis Handpiece provided transversal power. Lenses were placed within a plastic chamber and grooved by an investigator blinded to settings. A second investigator recorded times and adjusted settings. The Whitestar Signature Pro phaco system was used for grooving.
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