Irrigating chopper and vacuum capsulorhexis: a new technique in phacoemulsification

A continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) technique for cataract extraction surgery by phacoemulsification is described. The technique replaces a forceps or needles with vacuum traction and further modifies vacuum capsulorhexis. The technique was performed in 30 patients. The achieved CCCs were compared with the desired CCC of approximately 6.0 mm (range 5.8 to 6.2 mm). The desired CCC was achieved in 19 patients; 7 patients had a smaller-diameter CCC and 2, a larger-than-desired diameter. Two patients had partial capsule tear. The mean diameter was 5.79 mm +/- 0.57 (SD). This technique allows CCC to be performed through small incisions (1.0 mm) without the use of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices.