Comparative study of phacoemulsification parameters with and without nitinol filament nuclear disassembly
William F. Wiley, Shamik Bafna, Hercules D. Logothetis
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of nitinol microfilament lens disassembly using the miLOOP device on phacoemulsification parameters in routine cataract surgery. SETTING: Private practice in Cleveland, Ohio. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative consecutive case series. METHODS: A chart review of consecutive cataract surgery cases in a single center operated by a single surgeon was conducted. Eyes were grouped by whether they underwent nitinol filament nuclear disassembly. Phacoemulsification energy, phacoemulsification time, and irrigation/aspiration (I/A) recorded during the operation were compared. Bilateral eyes were included only if the contralateral eye was in the opposite group. RESULTS: A total of 212 eyes in 131 patients were eligible for analysis, including 81 subjects with both eyes. Most eyes (93%) had grade 2+ or 3+ nuclear sclerotic cataracts. A total of 102 eyes (48%) underwent nitinol filament nuclear disassembly preceding phacoemulsification. For all eyes, there was a 16% reduction in phacoemulsification energy, with a larger drop in grade 3+ eyes (-22%). Phacoemulsification and I/A times also reduced significantly (-19% and -37%, respectively, P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: Nitinol microfilament nuclear disassembly reduced total phacoemulsification energy and time during cataract surgery, particularly in severe cataracts.