Ultrasound spatula

T. Hara and T. Hara

A spatulalike tip is made from a 0.9-mm ultrasound (Fragmatome) tip. It is attached to a Fragmatome handpiece and used with ultrasound vibration at an intensity of about 6 W/cm2. (An infusion needle [May Needle] is used as a separate irrigating instrument.) Because the apex of the tip is rounded and lacks a simultaneous aspirating function, there is almost no danger of damaging the capsule if used carefully. This instrument is useful for dissecting the cataract to remove it through a smaller capsular incision, and in removing lens epithelial cell by applying it from the outer surface of the anterior capsule without damaging the capsule.