[Improvement of Phaco Tip Geometry During Torsional Phacoemulsification]

Advanced cataract with hard lens nuclei frequently challenge the ophthalmologic surgeon when doing phacoemulsification. In the present study, we examined the effect of a new phaco tip design during cataract surgery.

100 patients were assigned to two groups. In group 1 (50 patients), the Kelman^® tip design (Alcon) was used during phacoemulsification, while in group 2 (50 patients), the Intrepid^® Balanced Tip was applied. Trypan blue was used in both groups, if necessary, to stain the anterior lens capsule prior to capsulorhexis.

Preoperative visual acuity was 0.11 ± 0,16 (decimal equivalent; means ± standard deviation) in the Kelman tip group and 0.10 ± 0.14 in the Intrepid Balanced Tip group (p > 0,05). Applied cumulative displaced energy was 43.38 ± 21.84 s% in the Kelman tip group and 21.55 ± 13.25 s% in the Intrepid Balanced Tip group (p < 0,001). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

The improved Intrepid Balanced phaco tip design has led to a significant reduction in ultrasound energy required to successfully perform phacoemulsification in medium to hard lenses.