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Silicone I&A tip protects capsule

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MUNICH, Germany — A silicone irrigation and aspiration tip allows use of higher vacuum rates in cataract surgery without breaking the capsule, according to Robert Osher, MD.

Whereas typical metal I&A tips can break the capsule at vacuum rates as low as 15 mm Hg, Dr. Osher said, the silicone tip introduced recently by Alcon has been shown in cadaver eyes to tolerate vacuum rates of up to 600 mm Hg without breaking the capsule.

“At that rate, you can suck the whole pars plana in and not break anything,” Dr. Osher joked with attendees here at the European Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting. Surgeons should still be careful, however, that the metal underneath the silicone tip not be exposed, or intraoperative complications could arise.

“This is the best thing to come along in years, but you have to use it correctly,” Dr. Osher said.