title: Phacoemulsification using a chisel-shaped illuminator: enhanced depth trench, one-shot crack, and phaco cut.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of intracameral illuminator-assisted nucleofractis technique in cataract surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since June 2012, this novel technique has been performed in all cataract cases by one surgeon (approximately 300 cases of various densities). Trenching continues until the posterior plate white reflex between an endonucleus and an epinucleus is identified (enhanced depth trench). After trenching, cracking is initiated with minimal separation force, and completion of cracking is confirmed by posterior capsule reflex (one-shot crack). With followability enhanced by an elliptical phaco mode, the divided nucleus is efficiently cut into small fragments by a chisel-shaped illuminator (phaco cut).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have not experienced any capsular bag or zonular complications, and the effective phacoemulsification time seemed to be shorter than that with the conventional technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique simplifies the complete division of the nucleus, which is the most challenging step in safe and efficient phacoemulsification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon - Korea.
authors.forename: Jaemin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wi
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon - Korea.
authors.forename: Hyejin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon - Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Yeon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon - Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Heun
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Nam
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract; D006801:Humans; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods*; D008866:Microsurgery; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*