Prechopper effective for harder nuclei

NUREMBERG, Germany — A new hybrid prechopping instrument is effective in breaking up nuclei of harder grades, according to the designer of the device, Takayuki Akahoshi, MD.

Here at the German Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting, Dr. Akahoshi presented his experience using the hybrid combo prechopper made by ASICO.

According to Dr. Akahoshi, the instrument combines aspects of a blunt prechopper and a sharp universal prechopper, allowing it to be used for both vertical “karate prechop” techniques and horizontal counter-prechop techniques. The tip of the prechopper was modified to be sharper on the inside of the blades, while the edges of the tip are blunted to protect the chamber.

When using the instrument, the surgeon presses the tip into the center of the nucleus. Once it is at the appropriate depth, the tip is opened, and the nucleus is split apart. After this maneuver is repeated several times, the lens fragments that have been created can be removed using aspiration and high vacuum, Dr. Akahoshi said.

In harder nuclei, a nucleus stabilizer can be used to reduce stress on the capsular bag and avoid damage to the chamber, he said.