Crystalline lens endocapsular fragmentation using an elastic loop filament.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel mechanical endocapsular fragmentation technique of the crystalline lens during cataract surgery using a loop elastic-thin filament. METHODS: An alternative method to mechanically fragment the crystalline lens utilizing a nitinol loop is described. This device achieves lens sectioning in multiple pieces, decreasing ultrasonic energy expenditure during cataract surgery. RESULTS: Endocapsular fragmentation of crystalline lens was achieved using a nitinol loop filament, without the use of ultrasound energy. CONCLUSION: This surgical technique demonstrates that a micro loop filament may be used as an alternative surgical approach for energy-free mechanical endocapsular nucleus disassembly and fragmentation.