ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe a new technique to split the lens nucleus inside the capsular bag, using a novel pair of instruments. METHODS: Two identical instruments are employed on the horizontal axis to promote nuclear splitting into 2 or more fragments. Each instrument has a portion that functions as a hook (H); an anterior edge, opposite to the hook, which acts as a knife (K); and a surface area located between the hook and knife, which functions as a cracker (C). RESULTS: Nuclei up to grade 4 nuclear sclerosis were successfully fractured employing this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Symmetric bimanual phacofragmentation with HKC instruments provides effective bimanual splitting of nuclei for phacoemulsification, also allowing depth adjustment of cleavage plane, and can be applied for a wide range of nuclear densities.
