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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.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|October 13, 1998
Summary
Metallic intraocular bodies after phacoemulsification likely originate from the phaco handpiece. Prolonged use may cause metal fragments to chip off, leading to foreign bodies in the eye.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Foreign metallic intraocular bodies can complicate cataract surgery.
- Phacoemulsification is a common surgical technique for cataract removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and characteristics of metallic intraocular bodies found after phacoemulsification.
- To identify the source of metallic fragments during cataract surgery.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two metallic particles and surgical instruments (phaco tips, Sinskey hooks, handpieces) using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy.
- Morphological analysis and elemental composition determination of surgical components and extracted particles.
Main Results:
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed surface irregularities on used phaco tips and Sinskey hooks.
- Spectrographic analysis identified the phaco tip composition as primarily aluminum and titanium.
- The Sinskey hook contained iron, chromium, cobalt, and nickel; the handpiece contained iron, chromium, and nickel; and the metallic particles matched the handpiece composition.
Conclusions:
- The metallic intraocular particles were identified as originating from the phacoemulsifier handpiece.
- It is hypothesized that prolonged vibration during phacoemulsification causes fragmentation of the handpiece, leading to intraocular foreign bodies.