3050: Good job with your first horizontal chop
Taking the initiative to learn advanced nuclear disassembly techniques early in training is commendable, and this resident surgeon deserves praise for attempting a horizontal phaco chop with under 100 cases completed. While the execution is solid rather than flawless, surgical refinement and fluidic mastery naturally develop over hundreds of procedures; what truly matters at this stage is the drive, determination, and commitment to continuous self-improvement. By pushing beyond basic divide-and-conquer early on, young surgeons lay the groundwork for superior efficiency, reduced intra-operative energy, and improved corneal protection as their skill sets mature. Watch the video to see this early milestone case, analyze the horizontal chop mechanics, and celebrate the growth mindset essential for surgical excellence. What advice or mechanical cues do you offer resident surgeons attempting their very first horizontal chop? Please comment your thoughts below.
