Ultrasonic phacoemulsification using a 1.4 mm incision: clinical results

To evaluate the intraoperative complications and postoperative results of bimanual phacoemulsification and aspiration using a sleeveless phaco tip inserted through an ultra-small incision.

Department of Ophthalmology, Jikei University, Tokyo, Japan.

This study comprised 637 eyes having cataract extraction using conventional phacoemulsification equipment. A 20-gauge phaco tip with the sleeve removed was inserted through a 19-gauge corneal incision. A 20-gauge hooked cannula with the wall thinned to increase the inner diameter was used for infusion. After the crystalline lens was removed, the incision was widened to 2.8 to 4.1 mm and and an intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted. Study parameters were operating time, amount of infusion solution used, incidence of intraoperative complications, and early postoperative results.

The mean operating time was 8 minutes 42 seconds. Although the nuclear hardness was grade 4 or above in 35 eyes, there were no cases of thermal burn. The amount of infusion solution and the rate of postoperative decrease in corneal endothelial cell density did not differ greatly from results of conventional methods. This technique induced considerably less corneal astigmatism than surgery using conventional corneal incisions.

A sleeveless phaco tip was used to perform successful bimanual phacoemulsification using conventional phaco machines and familiar surgical techniques. The cataracts were safely removed through an incision of 1.4 mm or smaller that was widened for IOL insertion.