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Metallic fragment deposits during phacoemulsification
J J Martínez-Toldos1, J C Elvira, J R Hueso
1San Juan University Hospital, Alicante, Spain.
Purpose:
To describe the nature and origin of foreign metallic intraocular bodies appearing after phacoemulsification.
Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of San Juan, Alicante, Spain.
Methods:
Two metallic particles, 1 extracted during surgery and the other from a patient in whom surgery had been performed, were studied by scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy. Also evaluated were all metallic elements used in phacoemulsification including phaco tips, Sinskey hooks, and handpieces. A morphologic analysis at various magnifications was performed and the composition of the elements studied.
Results:
Scanning electronic microscopy showed irregularities of the phaco tip and Sinskey hook after their use. Spectrographic analysis found that the phaco tip was mainly aluminum and titanium; the Sinskey hook, iron, chromium, cobalt, and nickel; the handpiece, iron, chromium, and nickel; and the 2 metallic particles, iron, chromium, and nickel, the same as the handpiece.
Conclusion:
The metallic particles extracted corresponded to those of the phaco handpiece. Vibration during prolonged use of the phacoemulsifier probably caused these particles to chip off the handpiece.