Comparison of surgical parameters employing the NGenuity 3D Visual System vs. Conventional Surgical Microscope in Phacoemulsification surgery

Purpose To compare the surgical parameters used during cataract phacoemulsification surgery and the complication rate using two visualization systems, the NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System (3D) and the binocular microscope (BM). Methods A total of 76 eyes of 76 consecutive patients underwent cataract and retinal surgery at the same surgical time, 34 (44.7%) in the BM group and 42 (55.3%) in the 3D group. Cataracts graded NII to NIII using LOCS II were included. At the end of the phacoemulsification surgery, the surgical parameters were recorded. In addition, the success rate for performing anterior continuous circular capsulorhexis, in-the-bag IOL placement, and the rate of complications were registered and compared. Results A median age of 57 ± 16 years was found (range 28–84), and no significant difference was evident between both groups. Forty-nine patients (64.4%) were included in the BM group, and 27 (35.5%) were in the 3D group. The median CDE used in the BM group was 4.12 pcs (IQR 2.82-6.64); in the 3D group, it was 3.88 pcs (IQR 2.46-8.28) p = 0.751. In the quadrant extraction time, the median was 302.0 sec (IQR±146.5) in the MB group and 294.0 sec (IQR±500.0) in the 3D group with a p= 0.829. No complications were reported in either group. Conclusion The NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System performs similarly to that achieved with the MB in phacoemulsification surgery in patients with retinal pathology.