J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1999 Aug;40(8):2138-2144.

A Laboratory Study of Diathermy Capsulorhexis

• Paek KU
• Hur YK
• Hur J

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate histopathologic and physical characteristics of anterior capsule during capsulorhexis with a new high-frequency diathermy.The authors investigated the histopathologic characteristics of anterior capsule according to coagulation time and anterior capsular diameter in diathermy capsulorhesxis(DC),comparing with those in continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis(CCC). Thermally induced histopathologic alter-ation was localized at anterior capsule with coagulation for 0.5 second, while it was extended into cortex with coagulation for 2 seconds.When capsulorhexis was performed with diameter of 6 mmand the margin was pulled with iris retractor,anterior capsular edge was fully extended both in CCC and DC.But with diameter of 3.5 mm,DC mostly led to tear of capsular edge on its extension,while CCC permitted full extension of anterior capsular edge.These results suggest that strength of anterior capsular edge in DC is inferior to that in CCC.However diathermy capsulorhexis is a useful alternative technique in cases,which CCC is difficult to perform,such ashypermature or congenital cataracts.

Keyword

Anterior capsule; Diathermy capsulorhexis; High-frequency diathermy

MeSH Terms

Capsulorhexis*
Cataract
Diathermy*
Iris