Saturday, February 7, 2009

Rock 'n' roll phaco hits the right note
















An alternative phacoemulsification procedure, dubbed "rock 'n' roll phaco" by its originator, offers surgeons faster emulsification of the nucleus of the lens without compromising safety, according to a German study.

Detlef Uthoff MD told delegates attending the 13th ESCRS Winter Meeting in Rome that the "rock 'n' roll" technique is the culmination of over 30 years of experimenting with different approaches to phacoemulsification.

“This is my favourite technique for both mono and bimanual phacoemulsification. It is characterized by primarily fragmenting or sculpting the nucleus, which is then nudged 180 degrees and rotated along its sagittal axis with the help of the phacoemulsification tip. Later the nucleus is stabilised by a spatula and then emulsified from its posterior side. During emulsification the nucleus is held under the iris with the help of spatula,” he said.

Dr Uthoff said that the technique, which demands a slightly longer learning curve to master than traditional methods, permits a faster and safer emulsification of the lens nucleus and can be used with all grades of cataract. He estimated that his modified technique reduces the ultrasound time by up to 30 per cent.

Cornea Day was officially opened by Dr Jose Guell (pictured above), chairperson of the ESCRS Congress Committee.

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