Novel device to contain aerosols during phacoemulsification

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Devices
• Ophthalmic Surgery

Background:

• Phacoemulsification generates aerosols and droplets, posing potential risks during ophthalmic surgery.
• Effective containment of surgical byproducts is crucial for maintaining a sterile field and protecting healthcare workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a novel aerosol containment chamber (ACC) for use during phacoemulsification.
• To evaluate the ACC's ability to contain droplets and aerosols generated within the anterior chamber.

Main Methods:

• Modification of a standard silicon phaco test chamber into an ACC with a shortened body and a pear-shaped opening.
• Fitting the ACC over the phaco tip and sleeve, ensuring exposure of 4-5 mm of the phaco tip and sleeve.
• Positioning the ACC around the clear corneal tunnel during phacoemulsification to enclose the surgical site.

Main Results:

• The modified chamber, termed the aerosol containment chamber (ACC), was successfully developed.
• The ACC design allows for effective containment of aerosols and droplets generated during phacoemulsification.
• The device encloses the surgical site around the clear corneal tunnel, preventing aerosol and droplet escape.

Conclusions:

• The novel aerosol containment chamber (ACC) provides a method for containing aerosols and droplets during phacoemulsification.
• This device has the potential to improve safety and reduce exposure risks in ophthalmic surgery.
• Further studies are warranted to assess the clinical efficacy and broader applications of the ACC.