The pre-chopper is an instrument with two blades which are shaped like paddles and they are embedded into the nucleus … More
Category: Phaco Chop
1320: do I prefer flip or chop?
Many CataractCoach fans have emailed me asking which technique I prefer for routine cases: phaco flip or phaco chop? Some … More
1316: slow motion of combo phaco chop
This video features a combination phaco chop (a combination of vertical chop and horizontal chop techniques) where we play the … More
1311: routine case with moderate density
Don’t be fooled into thinking that there is not much to be learned from watching a routine cataract case. As … More
1298: cortical cleaving hydro-dissection
This video shows the technique of cortical cleaving hydro-dissection which we have previously covered. This involves using the fluid wave … More
1271: please steal this phaco technique
We all learn from each other — that’s one of the best things about ophthalmology. My surgical techniques are an … More
1263: double hook pre-chop technique
Our guest surgeon, Dr Érico Jun Oda from Brazil, does a great job with this surgery. Using just two hooks … More
1247: Bent Needle Pre-Chopper
Our guest surgeon, Val Apostolov MD, has been featured on CataractCoach many times before. He is an innovative surgeon who … More
1213: chop this dense cataract in the bag
This patient has a 4+ nuclear sclerotic cataract which we would classify as dense. Fortunately, it is not quite at … More
1187: don’t place the probe in the center
To achieve the best combo chop, you want to have a sufficient distance between the phaco probe and the chopper … More
1176: cataract surgery in Fuchs’ dystrophy
You will certainly encounter patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy where the corneal endothelial cell layer becomes compromised. With loss of endothelial … More
1175: the last case of residency
This is the final cataract case that was performed during residency and likely represents about 200 to 300 cataract surgeries … More
1169: surgery for a cataract surgeon
It is always a pleasure to do cataract surgery for a fellow cataract surgeon. This is the highest compliment that … More
1164: routine phaco chop complete case
From our Complete Cataract Case series, this is a video of a routine phaco chop case. It is not cherry … More
1158: adjusting the red reflex
The two primary illumination sources on your microscope are coaxial and paraxial. We have previously explained the differences in the … More
1131: Cataract Surgery in Ocular Albinism
Ocular albinism is rare, however just about every cataract surgeon will encounter at least one or two patients with this … More
1128: Why can’t I get the nuclear piece up?
You are ready for action. You embed the phaco probe and achieve high vacuum. You carefully place the chopper into … More
1123: dense brunescent cataract chop
This video showcases the entire surgery which we are running at 2x speed so that it is just 5 minutes. … More
1115: no need to hook the lens equator
The original technique of phaco chop involved placing the chopper under the capsulorhexis edge and then around the lens equator. … More
1110: more chops for a dense nucleus
If the cataract nucleus is more dense, such as 3-4+ NS, performing more chops is beneficial to break up the … More