New Cataract removal instrumentation and techniques: i. the NASA-McGannon cataract fragmentor

The instrument consists of a high-speed air turbine driven cutter combined with a pressure-regulated infusion system and a peristaltic pump evacuation system. The tool has an exposure control to vary the axial position of the cutter relative to its housing. The entire unit is controlled and powered by compressed air. A foot pedal start and stops all suction and cutting functions. The intraocular pressure is controlled by a flow-compensating pressure regulator that balances out the inflow system pressure drop and thereby provides essentially constant intraocular pressure.