Novel Balanced Phacotip for Microcoaxial Torsional Phaco
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To compare the performance between Kelman phacotips and the new Balanced phacotips.
Methods
Traditional Kelman style phacotips are widely used for both longitudinal and torsional ultrasound. A drawback of Kelman tips when used for torsional ultrasound is significant tip motion of the shaft which can lead to unwanted corneal stroma changes. A novel balanced phacotip has been specifically designed for torsional ultrasound with enhanced sideways tip displacement at the tip end and greatly reduced tip action along the shaft. A preliminary observational study was conducted to compare Kelman minitips with the new balanced phacotips. One surgeon performed all surgeries with identical fluid dynamics and ultrasound settings.
Results
Balanced tips showed an increased emulsification effect at the end with a visible increased cavitation effect at the sides of the tip end. No significant phacotip shaft motion could be observed with Balanced tips. Kelman tips showed significant tip action at the incision site. Cumulative Dissipated Energy levels seemed to be lower for balanced tips. No wound changes have been observed with balanced tips. There has not been sufficient availability of balanced tips for a prospective comparative study which is needed to prove the apparent increased performance of balanced tips in comparison with Kelman minitips.
Conclusion
The new Balanced phacotips, which have been specifically designed for torsional ultrasound seem to have a significant increased emulsification effect and a greatly reduced shaft action.