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Phacoemulsification in a patient with a deep brain stimulator
1University of Afyon Kocatepe Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Afyon, Turkey.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|May 16, 2006
Summary
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery was safely performed on a patient with a deep brain stimulator. This case suggests ultrasound from cataract surgery may not interfere with deep brain stimulator function.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Deep brain stimulators (DBS) are implanted for neurological conditions.
- Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound for cataract removal.
- Potential interaction between ultrasound and DBS devices is a concern.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old man with a DBS required cataract surgery.
- Device manufacturers advised against proceeding due to potential ultrasound interference.
- A simulated surgery was performed one week prior without adverse events.
Findings:
- The patient underwent uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
- No immediate or short-term complications related to the DBS were observed.
- The ultrasound energy did not appear to affect the deep brain stimulator's function.
Implications:
- This case suggests phacoemulsification may be safe for patients with DBS.
- Further research is needed to confirm the safety of ultrasound in DBS patients.
- Ophthalmologists should consider this finding when managing cataract patients with DBS.