Cataract surgery using the bimanual phacoemulsification technique with an Accurus system and Mackool microphaco tip

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of the Accurus vitreoretinal and phacoemulsification system (Alcon, Inc.) for bimanual phacoemulsification surgery. SETTING: Kosei Chuo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: Phacoemulsification for age-related cataract was performed using a bimanual technique in 55 eyes and a coaxial technique in 31 eyes. The Accurus system with a venturi pump and a sleeveless ultrasonic tip or a Mackool microphaco tip was used in all cases. The 2 techniques were compared. In bimanual phacoemulsification, the 2 tips were evaluated to determine whether either reduced ocular tissue impairment. RESULTS: The mean best corrected visual acuity 1 day after the surgery was 20/20 in both groups. There was no significant difference between the bimanual group and coaxial group except in ultrasound output (bimanual 22%, coaxial 28%; P = .01). Iris impairment was observed only in the bimanual group but was reduced by the use of the Mackool sleeved microphaco tip. CONCLUSION: Bimanual phacoemulsification for cataract surgery using the Accurus system with a venturi pump and a Mackool microphaco tip was safe and effective and may provide a means of performing combined or successive cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.