Dense cataracts effectively and efficiently treated with lens fragmentation device

A study with a lens fragmentation device (miLOOP, Zeiss) shows a trend in significantly reducing intraoperative capsule complications, which may lead to better long-term visual outcomes and greater case volume efficiency per operating room session, according to a poster presented at AAO 2020 Virtual.

Dense mature cataracts are associated with higher rates of capsule complications and require more phaco ultrasound energy during lens fragmentation and extraction. The miLOOP lens fragmentation device employs a nitinol microfilament loop to mechanically divide the lens. Less ultrasound energy is required to fragment dense nuclei with the miLOOP, which may reduce corneal edema and endothelial cell loss risk, reported the researchers.

They assessed the impact of the miLOOP lens fragmentation device on intraoperative capsule complications in dense mature cataracts with a retrospective, consecutive case chart review study over a 3-year period that included dense lenses (LOCS III N06 NC6 and higher). Rates of intraoperative complications and phaco time (cumulative dispersed energy, CDE) were compared pre- and post-miLOOP.

The results showed that for the eligible 928 cases (641 pre-miLOOP and 287 post-miLOOP) use of the miLOOP yielded a 38% reduction in capsule complications (4.5% vs 2.8%). The last quartile of the miLOOP group had a 0% complication rate. A 15% reduction in CDE post-miLOOP (12.3± 6.9 vs 10.5± 5.6 for Group 1 and 2, respectively, was observed.  Reducing the energy levels of phaco may be beneficial for faster visual recovery and increased long-term corneal health, they concluded.

Reference
Hu EH, et al. Surgical experience in dense cataracts with and without the miLOOP lens fragmentation device: a retrospective, consecutive case series. Presented at: AAO 2020 Virtual. [Session: PO058].