Microcoaxial phacoemulsification Part 1: laboratory studies.
OBJECTIVE
To examine and compare the fluidic, thermal, and incision behaviors of 2.2 mm microcoaxial and sleeveless bimanual phacoemulsification.


METHODS
Private practice, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.


METHODS
Fluidic performance of microcoaxial phacoemulsification and sleeveless bimanual microphacoemulsification was examined using a reduced-size irrigating sleeve and numerous irrigating choppers, respectively. Incision temperature during phacoemulsification, incision sealability after phacoemulsification, and incision leak were compared in cadaver eyes. Porcine eyes were used to determine whether a full-sized single-piece SN60AT intraocular lens (IOL) (AcrySof) could be inserted through a 2.2 mm incision.


RESULTS
Fluidic comparison indicated greater irrigation flow and a more stable occlusion break response with the microcoaxial setup than with the sleeveless bimanual setup under the same test conditions. Incision temperature during phacoemulsification, incision sealability after phacoemulsification, and incision leakage tests indicated that the microcoaxial setup produced less temperature rise, better incision sealability, and less incision leakage. A full-sized SN60AT IOL could be inserted through a 2.2 mm incision.


CONCLUSIONS
Laboratory results indicate that microcoaxial phacoemulsification through a 2.2 mm incision offers fluidic-, thermal-, and incision-related benefits over sleeveless bimanual microphacoemulsification. Moreover, a full-sized single-piece acrylic IOL could be safely implanted without enlarging the 2.2 mm incision.
Osher
Robert H
RH
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45343-5201, USA. rhosher@cincinnatieye.com
Injev
Valentine P
VP
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000503:physiopathology; D013552:Swine; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods
D000180:Acrylic Resins