Comparison of different types of phacoemulsification tips. III. Morphological changes induced after multiple uses in an ex vivo model

Abstract

No significant ultrastructural damage was detected after repeated experimental use of phaco tips in a porcine cataract model. There was no significant difference when phaco tips labeled for single use or multiple uses were compared.

Tackling the challenge of needless surgical waste in ophthalmology

“…In a study performed at the Moran Eye Center (Salt Lake City, Utah), we could not identify any significant ultrastructural differences between brand new tips and single-use tips that were used multiple times in a testing model. 26 This is consistent with the absence of any clinical evidence that reusing phacoemulsification tips is unsafe.…”

Tracing the barriers to decarbonising ophthalmology: A review

“…56,[116][117][118] After repeated experimental use on porcine eyes, there were no detectable ultrastructural changes to phacoemulsification tips (whether single-use or reusable designs). 119 Disposable cassettes can contribute 8.5% of cataract surgery waste in some settings, 56 but now some manufacturers design cassettes for reuse to some extent. 118,119 Pairing preloaded IOL delivery systems with reusable injectors is another example of more environmentally friendly product design and packaging which would generate less plastic waste.…”

“…119 Disposable cassettes can contribute 8.5% of cataract surgery waste in some settings, 56 but now some manufacturers design cassettes for reuse to some extent. 118,119 Pairing preloaded IOL delivery systems with reusable injectors is another example of more environmentally friendly product design and packaging which would generate less plastic waste. 32,56 Aravind Eye Care System reuses surgical gowns, gloves, phacoemulsification tips, blades, irrigation tubing and medications, reducing waste and emissions.…”

“…The reuse of cataract surgery instruments that might otherwise be sold as single‐use, such as the phacoemulsification cassette and probe tips, has received much attention 56,116–118 . After repeated experimental use on porcine eyes, there were no detectable ultrastructural changes to phacoemulsification tips (whether single‐use or reusable designs) 119 . Disposable cassettes can contribute 8.5% of cataract surgery waste in some settings, 56 but now some manufacturers design cassettes for reuse to some extent 118,119 .…”

Survey of ESCRS members' attitudes toward operating room waste

“…For example, a study from the OICS Task Force supported the safety of reusing phacoemulsification tips that are labeled single use. 14 A recent retrospective study at Aravind found that not changing surgical gowns and gloves after every case, not having patients wear hospital gowns over their clothing, not cleaning the OR floor and surfaces after every case, and operating on multiple patients simultaneously in the same OR did not result in a higher rate of endophthalmitis. 15 In line with these study results from Aravind, the ESCRS and OICS surveys found a clear consensus from more than 1500 international cataract surgeons that many pharmaceutical and surgical supplies should be safe to reuse.…”