Retrospective Analysis of the Performance of a New-Generation Dual Pump Phaco System Using Two Sizes of Phaco Tips in Cases with Different Nuclear Hardness

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of a phacoemulsification system in terms of effective (EPT) and total phaco time (TPT) using 20G and 21G phaco tips. Methods: Retrospective comparative study including 143 consecutive cataractous eyes undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with the Visalis 500 device. The 20G and 21G phaco tips were used in 46 and 97 eyes, respectively. The EPT and TPT values were evaluated. Results: Median TPT was 11.25 s and 17.50 s in the 20G and 21G groups, respectively (p = 0.0011). Median EPT values were 3.15 s and 5.00 s in the 20G and 21G groups, respectively (p = 0.0032). TPT and EPT were significantly lower in 3/3+ cataract eyes compared to 4/4+ using both tips (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Visalis 500 allows cataract surgery with reduced TPT and EPT, even in hard cataracts. The use of the 20G phaco tip provides an additional benefit in terms of reduction of phaco time.