Comparison of different types of phacoemulsification tips. I. Quantitative analysis of elemental composition and tip surface microroughness

Abstract

None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Chemical and physical analysis of phaco handpiece tip surfaces before and after cataract surgery

“…This difference in depth analysis can explain the different chemical elements detected by XPS and EDS. Tsaousis et al 9,10 obtained similar results, ascribing the difference in elemental composition to the difference in the depth of analysis between EDS and XPS. The main outcome of XPS analysis in the present study was the detection of a superficial silicon layer of the surface of used tips compared with new tips.…”

“…The surface average roughness doubled in value, indicating extreme deterioration of the tip. In part I of their study, Tsaousis et al 9 compared the profilometry of 7 new phaco tip models, concluding that the results might be affected by defective areas of phaco tips. The authors added that a smooth tip surface could be gentler to ocular tissue.…”

“…To our knowledge, only 1 recently published 2-part experimental study analyzed the chemical properties of new and resterilized phaco tips. 9,10 The authors did not consider phaco tips used in vivo after single or multiple cataract procedures. The tip's edge geometry and finishing might be important to improve lens fragmentation.…”

Electrochemical behavior of stainless steel alloys used for medical and dental applications as a function of exposure to 0.9% NaCl and sterilization

“…The drills used in the implant surgeries are extensively used in dental applications (Porto, et al, 2015;Allsobrook, et al, 2011). Some manufacturers suggest that the life span of the drills is approximately ten surgical procedures (Allsobrook, et al, 2011;Chacon, et al, 2006;Tsaousis, et al, 2016). To ensure safe treatment and to prevent cross-contamination, an efficient sterilization process is necessary (Porto, et al, 2015;Allsobrook, et al, 2011;Fais, et al, 2009).…”

“…In the literature, we found studies employing alloy 420B in milling cutters for dental implants. As some manufacturers have suggested that the life of implant cutters is approximately 10 surgical procedures (Allsobrook, et al, 2011;Chacon, et al, 2006;Tsaousis, et al, 2016), in the present study, 20 sterilization cycles were performed to simulate multiple use and analyze the consequent microstructural and electrochemical changes.…”