Paolo Cecchini1, Rossella D'Aloisio2, Manlio Antonuccio2, Gianluca Turco2, Federica Bondino2, Elena Magnano2, Marta Di Nicola2, Daniele Tognetto2. 1. From the Department of Medicine (Cecchini, D'Aloisio, Antonuccio, Turco, Tognetto), Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, and Istituto Officina dei Materiali del Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche (Bondino, Magnano), Laboratorio di Tecnologie Avanzate, Superfici e Catalisi, Trieste, and the Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences (Di Nicola), Laboratory of Biostatistics, University G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Physics (Magnano), University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: paolo.cecchini@asuits.sanita.fvg.it. 2. From the Department of Medicine (Cecchini, D'Aloisio, Antonuccio, Turco, Tognetto), Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, and Istituto Officina dei Materiali del Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche (Bondino, Magnano), Laboratorio di Tecnologie Avanzate, Superfici e Catalisi, Trieste, and the Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences (Di Nicola), Laboratory of Biostatistics, University G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Physics (Magnano), University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the surface chemical composition and roughness of different phaco tips before and after their use during cataract surgery. SETTING: Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Of the 66 tips studied, 33 (15 new, 15 after single use, and 3 after multiple uses) were studied with X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and 33 (15 new, 15 after single use, and 3 after multiple uses) were examined using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis and contact profilometry. All analyses were performed on the far end of the tip. RESULTS: Used phaco tips showed signs of wear at the end of the tip, with the deposition of debris. The cutting edge appeared to be rounded and irregular. After surgery, an increase in the surface roughness was detected. The chemical analyses showed modification of the superficial alloy composition and the biological origin of some debris deposited after surgery. The deterioration and wear observed were more remarkable after multiple surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Used phaco tips showed relevant signs of deterioration and deposition of biological material, mostly involving the cutting edge. Reusable tips might release remnants of previous procedures. The adoption of single-use disposable phaco tips seems to be highly advisable.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the surface chemical composition and roughness of different phaco tips before and after their use during cataract surgery. SETTING: Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Of the 66 tips studied, 33 (15 new, 15 after single use, and 3 after multiple uses) were studied with X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and 33 (15 new, 15 after single use, and 3 after multiple uses) were examined using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis and contact profilometry. All analyses were performed on the far end of the tip. RESULTS: Used phaco tips showed signs of wear at the end of the tip, with the deposition of debris. The cutting edge appeared to be rounded and irregular. After surgery, an increase in the surface roughness was detected. The chemical analyses showed modification of the superficial alloy composition and the biological origin of some debris deposited after surgery. The deterioration and wear observed were more remarkable after multiple surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Used phaco tips showed relevant signs of deterioration and deposition of biological material, mostly involving the cutting edge. Reusable tips might release remnants of previous procedures. The adoption of single-use disposable phaco tips seems to be highly advisable.
Authors: Daniele Tognetto; Rosa Giglio; Chiara De Giacinto; Marco R Pastore; Gabriella Cirigliano; David P Piñero; Gianluca Turco Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Date: 2021-10-04 Impact factor: 3.117