Electrical-Based Knife for Cataract Surgery Introduced
A report in the British Journal of Ophthalmology describes the development of a new tool by German researchers to support completion of cataract surgery. The tool is particularly useful for complicated cataract cases.
The team developed a new knife for surgery that uses electrical pulses to cut tissue, the pulsed electron avalanche knife (PEAK-fc) as reported in Reuters. The tool supports cold dissection of tissue which prevents tissue traction and improved precision.
The research team used the tool in 20 cases with different underlying causes of cataract development. The tool effectively supported completion of both anterior and posterior capsulotomies, with no resulting complications. Limited collateral damage was noted. Technique calls for gently touching the capsule to avoid surrounding disruption.
One of the benefits of using this knife compared to other tools commonly used for cataract surgery is that the PECK-fc is targets the electrical pulses. The precision helps mitigate damage to surrounding tissues.
Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and is a common disease manifestation in patients with diabetes. Risk for cataract development increases across the lifespan.
August 15, 2007 Related topics: Ophthalmology