'Flow out technique' for safe and complete removal of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices after phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) are widely used in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The adverse effects of OVDs retained after cataract surgery are well known, and complete OVD removal should be achieved in every case.


METHODS
We describe a novel and simple technique using a two-handed irrigation and aspiration (I/A) for safer removal of OVDs.


RESULTS
The technique was successfully used in 125 eyes of 125 patients after the completion of phacoemulsification cataract surgery. No intra or postoperative complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique described is safe and uses the anatomy of the capsular bag and the dynamics of the I/A ports for the complete removal of OVDs.
Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Andreas J
AJ
Kreis
Thanh T
TT
Nguyen
Vishal
V
Jhanji
Rasik B
RB
Vajpayee
D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014619:Vacuum Curettage