Phaco Clip #22 - The Wedge Chopping Mechanical Fracturing

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery case - Here I show a horizontal mechanical fracturing technique I devised for soft to relatively hard nucleus. I named it "WEDGE CHOPPING". With only pressure and counter-pressure against the chopper stabilized nucleus, the wedge shaped bezel of the phaco tip is used to initiate and propagate a clean fracture with no ultrasound and no vacuum applied. This is a very easy technique to learn, and very useful because besides its efficiency and reduced ultrasound energy dispensed, it is very safe for there is no risk of surge. A long bend chopper 2mm+ is recommended. Here I overdo a little dividing the nucleus in 8 fragments before emulsifying, but in soft nucleus a division in four pieces is sufficient. A nucleus spin ensures cortical release from the capsule facilitating its aspiration later. Efficacy and safety of cortex aspiration and capsular polishing using the phaco tip are also demonstrated. IOL hydroimplantation completes the case.

Surgeon: Neto Rosatelli, MD - Brazil

Music: Wall Street (Audioblocks Royalty-free Music)