Improvement of Phaco Tip Geometry During Torsional Phacoemulsification

Abstract

Advanced cataract with hard lens nuclei frequently challenge the ophthalmologic surgeon when doing phacoemulsification. In the present study, we examined the effect of a new phaco tip design during cataract surgery. 100 patients were assigned to two groups. In group 1 (50 patients), the Kelman® tip design (Alcon) was used during phacoemulsification, while in group 2 (50 patients), the Intrepid® Balanced Tip was applied. Trypan blue was used in both groups, if necessary, to stain the anterior lens capsule prior to capsulorhexis. Preoperative visual acuity was 0.11 ± 0,16 (decimal equivalent; means ± standard deviation) in the Kelman tip group and 0.10 ± 0.14 in the Intrepid Balanced Tip group (p > 0,05). Applied cumulative displaced energy was 43.38 ± 21.84 s% in the Kelman tip group and 21.55 ± 13.25 s% in the Intrepid Balanced Tip group (p < 0,001). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The improved Intrepid Balanced phaco tip design has led to a significant reduction in ultrasound energy required to successfully perform phacoemulsification in medium to hard lenses.