Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the efficiency of using a pre-loaded insertion system for the TECNIS® 1-piece hydrophobic-acrylic IOL compared to the standard insertion system.
Methods:
Forty TECNIS® 1-piece lenses were inserted into a saline bath under simulated operating room (OR) conditions, twenty (20) using a standard insertion system for the lens (UNFOLDER® Platinum inserter) and twenty (20) using a preloaded insertion system (TECNIS iTec inserter). For consistency, one investigator (DRN) performed all procedures. Time from opening the IOL package to loading the IOL into the insertion system, from IOL loaded to IOL moved to delivery position, and time to deliver the IOL into the saline bath were recorded. IOLs evaluated were representative of the whole diopter range; 5 D, 20 D, and 34 D. Ease of use of the two inserters, as well as complications related to the insertion system, were assessed.
Results:
There were no damaged IOLs in either group. The procedure time for each step and the overall combined usage time was significantly less with the preloaded inserter compared to the standard inserter. Time from package opening to IOL loading was 12 ± 2.2 sec and 35 ± 4.5 sec (p<0.0001) for the preloaded and standard inserters, respectively. IOL loading to IOL in the ‘ready’ position was 3 ± 0.84 sec for preloaded and 10 ± 1.82 sec for standard inserter (p<0.0001). From IOL in the delivery position to delivery of the IOL was 8 ± 1.43 sec for preloaded and 10 ± 1.83 sec for standard inserter (p=0.02). Total procedure time was 23 ± 3.00 sec for preloaded and 57 ± 7.99 sec for standard inserter (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
The new TECNIS iTec preloaded inserter performed as well as the standard inserter and took less time to prepare, increasing the efficiency of the microincision cataract surgery procedure.
Keywords: 567 intraocular lens •
561 injection