Cataract surgery using the bimanual phacoemulsification technique with an Accurus system and Mackool microphaco tip

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure.
• Bimanual phacoemulsification offers potential advantages over traditional coaxial techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Accurus vitreoretinal and phacoemulsification system for bimanual cataract surgery.
• To compare bimanual and coaxial phacoemulsification techniques.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 55 eyes undergoing bimanual phacoemulsification and 31 eyes undergoing coaxial phacoemulsification.
• The Accurus system with a venturi pump and either a sleeveless ultrasonic tip or a Mackool microphaco tip was utilized.
• Evaluation of ocular tissue impairment and comparison of surgical outcomes between the two techniques.

Main Results:

• Both techniques achieved excellent visual acuity (20/20) one day post-surgery.
• Ultrasound energy usage was significantly lower in the bimanual group (22%) compared to the coaxial group (28%).
• Iris impairment occurred in the bimanual group but was minimized with the Mackool sleeved microphaco tip.

Conclusions:

• Bimanual phacoemulsification with the Accurus system and Mackool microphaco tip is a safe and effective cataract surgery method.
• This technique may facilitate combined or sequential cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries.
• The Mackool tip appears to reduce ocular tissue trauma in bimanual phacoemulsification.