Easier subincisional cleanup
Once surgeons remove the crystalline lens, they have to remove the
soft lenticular cortex. One challenge with that part of the process:
how best to clear cortical material and viscoelastic that is directly
under the incision? Here's a look at 2 devices aimed at easing subinci-
sional cleanup.
• Intrepid Transformer. Alcon's I/A handpiece works with the
Centurion phaco system, the market-leading platform that just turned 4.
The Transformer quickly and easily converts from a coaxial I/A to a
bimanual I/A. By twisting the back of the I/A handpiece, you can
remove a separate polymer-tipped aspiration cannula. With the irriga-
tion still in place, insert the aspiration cannula through the sideport
incision. The device will fit through an incision as small as 1 mm. The
aspiration cannula has an even wider aperture than the I/A tip, so it
makes capsular cleanup and polishing much easier.
• Allegro SP I/A. The double-bend design of Microsurgical Technology's
pre-assembled disposable silicone I/A system — resembling an eagle's beak
— aims to let surgeons clean up under the incision without torquing the
wound. You position the irrigation port very close to the aspiration to pre-
vent the wound edges from blocking irrigation. No metal touches the cap-
sule, only silicone, reducing the risk of capsular capture. You can also aspi-
rate the IOL and dial it with this device, which is compatible with all phaco
systems.
Can we eliminate phaco?
Phacoemulsification energy inside the eye can damage the delicate
corneal endothelium. Too much damage rarely can result in a condi-
tion called bullous keratopathy, which requires corneal transplant.
Two new no-phaco devices aim to change that.
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