With a thick epi-nuclear shell, it is easier to remove it with the phaco probe as compared to the I/A probe. The larger port of the phaco probe allows for efficient removal of even a large epi-nuclear shell. To avoid damaging the capsule while using the phaco probe to aspirate the epi-nucleus, we use the flip technique. The phaco probe vacuum (without ultrasound power) is used to grab the distal epi-nucleus while the chopper is used in a pushing motion to flip the shell.
click below to learn the epi-nucleus flip technique including slow-motion analysis:
