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Clinical results demonstrate reduced phaco energy with torsional ultrasound
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CANCUN, Mexico — Clinical results show phacoemulsification involving torsional ultrasound uses less energy than traditional ultrasound in all cataract densities, according to an ophthalmologist speaking here.
María J. Sánchez, MD, and colleagues at the University of Heidelberg analyzed clinical results and intraoperative parameters using the Ozil module for the Infiniti phacoemulsification system (Alcon) and compared them with traditional ultrasound. She presented the results at the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology meeting.
"The Ozil handpiece reduces the ultrasound time and as a result reduces intraoperative trauma," Dr. Sánchez said.
The prospective clinical study included 56 patients randomly assigned to two groups of 28 eyes each treated with either traditional or torsional ultrasound. Both groups had a mean age of 70 years and a mean cataract density of 25, she said.
The results showed a statistically significant lower use of power with the Ozil handpiece than with traditional ultrasound. There was no correlation between cataract density and ultrasound power, she said.
"The degree of cataract is becoming more and more independent of intraoperative values," Dr. Sánchez said.
All surgeries were performed without complications and none required conversion to traditional ultrasound, she noted.
"This indicates a better and decreased use of balanced salt solution and therefore a decreased risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications," she said.