Zepto-rhexis: A new surgical technique of capsulorhexis using precision nano-pulse technology in difficult cataract cases

Several techniques are used to make a capsulorhexis in white mature cataract cases as needle cystotome, Utrata capsulorhexis forceps, microincision capsulorhexis forceps, femtosecond Laser, etc. Zepto precision nano-pulse capsulotomy device (Mynosys Cellular Devices; Fremont, CA, USA) is Food and Drug Administration approved, a disposable capsulotomy device that uses low-energy pulses to create a precise central capsulorhexis, independent of pupil size, corneal clarity, or lens density. In this article, the authors report their experience of performing anterior circular curvilinear capsulorhexis with Zepto precision nano-pulse capsulotomy device in challenging cataract cases done at our center. The Zepto handpiece device was inserted through 2.8 mm clear corneal incision. Results of our study in 3 cataract cases (intumescent cataract, morgagnian cataract, and cataract with small pupil) revealed that the precision pulse capsulotomy technology mechanically and simultaneously cleaves all 360� of the apposed capsule of without cauterizing it, creating CCC of 5.2 mm size.

Functional success evaluation of lacrimal drainage system by dacryoscintigraphy after transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional success rates using dacryoscintigraphy (DSG) after transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TDL-DCR). Methods: In this retrospective study, we investigated the records of 56 patients who underwent TDL-DCR for unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and anatomic patency was achieved. The lacrimal drainage systems of the other eyes of the patients were normal and were selected as control group. The functional success was evaluated with tear transit time (TT) on DSG and epiphora complaints' score (ECS) at postoperative 6 months. Results: Twenty-two (39%) of the patients were male and 34 (61%) were female, with a mean age of 46.6 (21�). The dacryoscintigraphic findings of the operated and healthy eyes showed that there was statistically insignificant prolongation in the tear TT at the operated side at postoperative 6th month (P > 0.05). The mean ECS of operated eyes was 0.89. Functional success was achieved in 43 (76.8%) patients when the ECS of 0 and 1 was accepted as successful. A statistically significant delay in drainage was observed in DSG in all of the cases with epiphora score of 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). The tear TT was prolonged with the age increase (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference concerning the gender. Conclusion: DSG is an effective tool to evaluate the functional success of TDL-DCR.

Surgical Outcomes of Endonasal Revision Surgery for Failed DCR According to Number of Silicone Tubes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the causes of failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and the effects of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted endonasal revision surgery according to the number of silicone tubes. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients (70 eyes) who underwent revision surgery using transcanalicular diode laser for failed primary endonasal DCR at Sungmo Eye Hospital between March 2007 and December 2012 were studied retrospectively. The causes of failed DCR and the time of recurrence were evaluated. The revision surgeries were endoscopic removal of granuloma and membrane and synechiolysis with intubation of 1 or 2 silicone tubes. We compared the results of revision surgery with 1 silicone tube and 2 silicone tube intubations. RESULTS: Recurrence occurred after a mean duration of 4.6 months following the first DCR. The causes of surgical failure were granuloma (35 eyes), membranous obstruction (23 eyes), synechia (7 eyes), and functional obstruction (5 eyes). We performed revision surgery with 1 silicone tube intubation in 45 eyes (group A) and 2 silicone tube intubations in 25 eyes (group B). The final success rates in groups A and B were 75.6% (34/45) and 84% (21/25), respectively (chi-square test, p = 0.828). CONCLUSIONS: Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted endonasal revision surgery with 2 silicone tubes is not recommended.

The Effects of Transcanalicular Diode Laser-Assisted Revision Surgery for Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To determine the intranasal causes of failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and the effects of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (29 eyes) who underwent revision surgery for a failed DCR at the Department of Ophthalmology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University between March 2009 and February 2011 were included in the present retrospective study. The intranasal causes of failed DCR, the time of symptoms such as epiphora and discharge after DCR, success rates of revision surgeries and follow-up periods were evaluated. RESULTS: Membranous obstruction was found in 25 eyes (86.2%) and was accompanied with granuloma in 10 eyes; these were the most common causes of failed DCR. The mean time for symptom development after DCR was 14.6 months, the success rate of the first revision surgery was 82.1% and good results were obtained in 5 eyes after the second revision surgery. Recurrence developed in 2 eyes, but symptoms improved after the lateral tarsal strip procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Membranous obstruction was the most common intranasal cause of failed DCR and transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery produced good results. Additionally, in patients with persistent epiphora following anatomically-patent revisional surgery, lacrimal pump failure due to lower eyelid laxity should be considered and corrected.

The Long-Term Results of Transcanalicular Dacryocystorhinostomy with a Diode Laser

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) using a diode laser in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: A total of 71 patients (76 eyes) who underwent TCL-DCR between May 2004 and April 2010 were analyzed. The functional and anatomic success rates were evaluated and the causes of failure were analyzed. RESULTS: The anatomic and functional success rates in primary TCL-DCR were 73.9% (51 of 69 eyes) and 62.3% (43 of 69), respectively. The causes of failure were membranous obstruction in 50.0% of the cases, granuloma formation in 38.9%, synechia formation in 5.6%, and canalicular stenosis in 5.6%. The anatomic and functional success rates were both 42.9% (3 of 7eyes) after TCL-DCR revision. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of TCL-DCR is relatively comparable to that of conventional surgery. Additionally, the advantages of the procedure are its minimal invasiveness and convenience in an outpatient setting, suggesting that TCL-DCR may be an effective procedure for primary and secondary NLDO.