A phaco wound burn is a terrible complication that happens from the heat that is created by the friction of the ultrasonic movement of the phaco needle. And it can happen in just a second or two with devastating consequences as we have shown previously in this video and this case. There are risk factors for a phaco wound burn such as occlusion of the port, loss of inflow fluid, high ultrasound energy settings, and pressing the needle against the cornea instead of floating within the incision. This video is from a very experienced surgeon and it is remarkable because we see the warning sign that the phaco needle is blocked: the white cloud of pulverized lens material that is not being aspirated into the phaco tip. We even see that the intense heat that is created immediately boils the balanced salt solution! This is something that I have never seen in 20+ years.
Click to learn from this must-see video to prevent a future phaco wound burn:
