The efficacy of the using an improved needle for phacoemulsification of high dense lens nuclei (a clinical-experimental study)

Background
To study the efficacy of the developed phacoemulsification needle with the most dense lens nuclei in experimental and clinical conditions.

Material and methods
An experimental study was conducted on 15 isolated lenses of 15 patients. In clinical part of the study patients were divided into 2 groups: PE using a standard needle (30 eyes) and PE using an improved needle (30 eyes) with senile cataract. Two PE needles were used in the course of the experiment and clinical study (PE needle in the INTREPIDｮ Micro-Coaxial System and the improved needle).

Results
In experimental study it was found that using a standard needle the maximum values of the force were 104.1 ｱ 4.3  g and improved needle ・65.4 ｱ 3.6 g. This proves a better introduction of an improved needle into the lens. In clinical study, the use of an improved needle for PE in patients with a high degree of lens density allowed to reduce the total ultrasonic energy (CDE) by 41.69%. A statistically significant decrease in postoperative edemas and burns of the cornea in the postoperative period was also noted.

Conclusions
The improved needle for PE, differs from standard needles in that the butt end surface of the bell-shaped part contains equilateral teeth. This can significantly reduce the force required for needle introduction for PE into the lens and reduce the amount of ultrasonic energy for lens emulsification. From a practical point of view, this allows to reduce the rehabilitation of patients after cataract surgery.