Vacuum rhexis – A novel capsulorhexis technique for white cataracts

Abstract

Capsulorhexis in white intumescent cataract is often associated with extension leading to radial tears or biradial extension “Argentinian flag sign” and associated complications. We describe a novel technique of managing this situation. Vacuum rhexis is performed with a 24 G bent cannula attached to a 10-ml syringe. The flap is lifted and then caught using 24 G cannula. The suction is manually controlled by the surgeon, and the rhexis is completed using circumferential movement. The chamber stability is well maintained as there is no leakage, and the bent tip gives excellent fulcrum for movement. The advantage of this technique is that a single port is used for maintaining the chamber stability and it needs no special surgical instruments. Vacuum rhexis is a novel surgical technique used for performing successful continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) of adequate size in white and intumescent cataracts, with a consistent and predictable outcome.

Keywords

• capsulotomy
• vacuum rhexis
• white cataract