Comparative Hydrodynamic Analysis of the Bimanual Phacoemulsification Technique in Cataract Surgery

Abstract

The phacoemulsification method used in cataract surgery is considered. In general, it can be realized by two different techniques. The most widespread technique is based on the use of instruments combining both the function of aspiration of crystalline lens fragments and the function of irrigation of substituting fluid in the same coaxial tip. The bimanual phacoemulsification is an alternative technique, which means carrying out of aspiration and irrigation by two divided tips. Advantages of the bimanual technique are revealed by hydrodynamic analysis on base of simplified mathematical modeling of flows arising in the eye anterior chamber during surgical operation. The data of this analysis compared with according data of coaxial technique allows getting convincing proofs of preferences of the bimanual technique because it decreases adverse hydrodynamic effect on the eye tissue, reduces consumption of replacing fluid and operation time. All these items make immediate positive influence on the quality of surgery.