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Comparison of pre-chopper vs. divide & conquer phacoemulsification techniques: A standardised laboratory studyG. U. Auffarth1,2, Q. Peng2, B. Daines2, D. S. M. Hoddinott2, D. J. Apple 2
Purpose: To compare phacoemulsification time for lens removal using a pre-chopper versus divide & conquer technique.
Methods: In a standardized laboratory set up we used the Miyake-Apple posterior view video technique in human autopsy eyes to evaluate 10 pairs of eyes randomised for either the pre-chopper (designed by T. Akahoshi) or the divide & conquer technique. The open sky preparation and an Alcon Legacy Series 20000 phaco-machine with a flow rate of 25ml/min a vacuum setting of 120mmHg and phaco-power of 60% was used.
Results: Average age of donors was 71±9.3 years. Average nucleus density was grade +2. Average phaco-time with the pre-chopper technique was 1.15±0.26min, with the divide & conquer technique 1.48±0.28 (p=0.01, Wilcoxon matched pairs test) There was a significant correlation between phaco-time and nucleus density with the pre-chopper group (r=0.67, p=0.03) but not with the divide & conquer technique
Conclusions: With the pre-chopper ultrasound time for phacoemulsification was significantly shorter compared to the divide & conquer technique.
1
Univ.-Augenklinik Heidelberg, INF 400, D-69120 Heidelberg