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PHOTO ESSAY
Year : 2020  |  Volume : 68  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 187-188

Phacoemulsification tip fracture


Dr Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India

Date of Submission23-Mar-2019
Date of Acceptance29-Aug-2019
Date of Web Publication19-Dec-2019

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Chirakshi Dhull
486. Dr Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_419_19

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  Abstract 


Keywords: ABS tip, electron microscopy, instrument break in cataract surgery, phacoemulsification tip fracture


How to cite this article:
Khokhar S, Dhull C, Verma S, Gupta Y. Phacoemulsification tip fracture. Indian J Ophthalmol 2020;68:187-8

How to cite this URL:
Khokhar S, Dhull C, Verma S, Gupta Y. Phacoemulsification tip fracture. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2020 [cited 2024 Mar 29];68:187-8. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/text.asp?2020/68/1/187/273244



A 64-year-old man underwent phacoemulsification surgery in left eye for senile cataract with nuclear sclerosis grade 4 using Standard 20 gauge aspiration bypass system (ABS) phacoemulsification tip (Centurion, Alcon laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA). During phacoemulsification, sudden fracture of the flared titanium tip was noted while attempting chopping [Figure 1]a. The broken end was removed while still inside the silicon sleeve [Figure 1]b. There was no damage to ocular tissues. Anterior chamber was examined thoroughly under operating microscope and no broken piece was seen. This was confirmed by opposing the broken ends of the tip under the microscope, which matched perfectly without any broken piece. Surgery was completed using a new tip without further complications.
Figure 1: (a) Smooth break in phacoemulsification tip during chopping manoeuvre. (b) Removal of broken phacoemulsification tip inside sleeve using second instrument

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On electron microscopy, the phacoemulsification tip showed a smooth break in both the ends with crack around the ABS microhole [Figure 2]a and [Figure 2]b. The ABS microhole may have been the site of weakness leading to cracking and fracture of phaco tip.
Figure 2: Electron microscopy of broken ends of phacoemulsification tip. (a) Smooth crack noted in both ends of broken tip. (b) Crack around ABS microhole in magnified view (10×)

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  Discussion Top


Breaking of instruments intraoperatively during phacoemulsification may cause damage to intraocular tissue.[1],[2],[3] In most cases, break is noted in the second instrument, such as chopper, sinskey hook, or spatula, which may have come in contact with phacoemulsification tip.[3],[4]

In rare cases, break may be noted in phacoemulsification tip.[5] Early detection and removal of broken phacoemulsification tip inside its sleeve helps in avoiding inadvertent damage.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.



 
  References Top

1.
Köse S, Menteş J, Uretmen O, Topçuoǧlu N, Köktürk U, Yilmaz H. The nature and origin of intraocular metallic foreign bodies appearing after phacoemulsification. Int J Ophthalmol Z Augenheilkd 2003;217:212-4.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Diaper CJ, Beirouty ZA. Intraocular deposition of metallic fragments during phacoemulsification: Possible causes and effects. Eye Lond Engl 1997;11:421-2.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Arbisser LB. Origin of intraocular metallic foreign bodies during phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg 2005;31:2423-4.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Braunstein RE, Cotliar AM, Wirostko BM, Gorman BD. Intraocular metallic-appearing foreign bodies after phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg 1996;22:1247-50.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Angmo D, Khokhar SK, Ganguly A. Intraoperative fracture of phacoemulsification tip. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2014;21:86-8.  Back to cited text no. 5
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    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]


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2 “Phacoemulsification tip fracture and how to manage it.”
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