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Published on: July 7, 2023
Migration of retained broken chopper tip after phacoemulsification.
Devesh K Varma1, Vaquas M Shaikh, Tim R Hillson
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|May 12, 2010
Summary
A broken phacoemulsification chopper tip retained in the eye dislocated months later. Surgical removal is recommended due to potential long-term instability of retained intraocular fragments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
- Retained intraocular foreign bodies can occur, posing potential risks.
Observation:
- A metallic chopper tip fractured and remained in the ciliary sulcus post-phacoemulsification.
- The fragment, initially stable, dislocated into the anterior chamber 8 months later.
Findings:
- The dislocated chopper tip was successfully removed using microforceps and gonioscopic visualization.
- This case demonstrates that retained metallic fragments may not remain stable long-term.
Implications:
- Surgical removal of retained fragments should be considered, even if initially appearing stable.
- Advanced visualization techniques like gonioscopy or endoscopy may be necessary for safe removal.
