Star CanVac-continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis - A novel, safe rhexis technique in intumescent total cataracts

• Published in: Indian journal of ophthalmology Vol. 70; no. 5; pp. 1809 - 1811
• Main Authors: Kodavoor, Shreesha, Tamilarasi, S, Dandapani, Ramamurthy, Ramamurthy, Chitra, Sachdev, Gitansha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.05.2022; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Anterior Capsule of the Lens; Anterior chamber; argentinean flag sign; Capsulorhexis - methods; Cataract; Cataract - complications; Cataracts; continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (ccc); Humans; intumescent cataract; Lens Capsule, Crystalline - surgery; Phacoemulsification - methods; Surgery; Surgical Technique; Tears; India; continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC); Argentinean flag sign; intumescent cataract
• ISSN: 0301-4738; 1998-3689
• DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_2712_21

Achieving a complete uniform capsulorhexis in an intumescent cataract is perhaps the most crucial and challenging step for surgeons. Star CanVac CCC is a new manual technique for creating a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) in intumescent total cataracts. Small centripetal tears in the shape of a star are created in the center of the anterior lens capsule by using a 26-G cystotome. This allows equal distribution of forces secondary to increased intralenticular pressure, thereby avoiding unidirectional or bidirectional tear extension. Subsequently, a 25-G flat-tipped fine cannula connected to a syringe is used to hold the free capsular flap. The piston of the syringe is withdrawn to create a stable suction pressure, and the rhexis is completed without withdrawing the instrument from the anterior chamber. Our technique is safe, affordable, and an alternative method to routine CCC or expensive techniques such as Femto or Zepto capsulotomy for white intumescent cataracts.