Comparative study of phacoemulsification parameters with and without nitinol filament nuclear disassembly

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of nitinol microfilament lens disassembly using the miLOOP device on phacoemulsification parameters in routine cataract surgery.

Private practice in Cleveland, Ohio.

Retrospective comparative consecutive case series.

A chart review of consecutive cataract surgery cases in a single center operated by a single surgeon was conducted. Eyes were grouped by whether they underwent nitinol filament nuclear disassembly. Phacoemulsification energy, phacoemulsification time, and irrigation/aspiration (I/A) recorded during the operation were compared. Bilateral eyes were included only if the contralateral eye was in the opposite group.

A total of 212 eyes in 131 patients were eligible for analysis, including 81 subjects with both eyes. Most eyes (93%) had grade 2+ or 3+ nuclear sclerotic cataracts. A total of 102 eyes (48%) underwent nitinol filament nuclear disassembly preceding phacoemulsification. For all eyes, there was a 16% reduction in phacoemulsification energy, with a larger drop in grade 3+ eyes (-22%). Phacoemulsification and I/A times also reduced significantly (-19% and -37%, respectively, P < .02).

Nitinol microfilament nuclear disassembly reduced total phacoemulsification energy and time during cataract surgery, particularly in severe cataracts.