Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phaco Emulsification:

Tell me about the History of Phaco Emulsification:

Definition: Phaco lens shaped, relating to a lens. From the Greek phakos, lentil (lens), anything shaped like a lentil
Invented nearly 40 years ago by Dr. Charles Kelman, M.D.
He received a $280,000 grant and a 3 year time limit
The idea of using ultrasound cam to him as he sat in the dentist’s chair.

How Does a Phaco Work:

Operates on the principle of the Piezoelectric Effect
Piezoelectric Effect discovered by Pierre & Jacques Curie in the 1880’s
When Crystals are subjected to an electric field, they expand and contract in direct proportion to that electrical field.
Converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

What is the Phaco Procedure: Top of Page

Handpeice primed and tuned
Small incision in the eye via diamond knife
Handpiece tip inserted under the cornea
Phaco machine powers crystals in the handpiece
Handpiece tip vibrates ultrasonically thousands of times per second to break up (emulsify) the cataract
Cataract aspirated and flushed with fluid solution
Man-made Intra-Ocular Lens inserted
Microprocessor controlled instrument
Has capability of irrigation, aspiration, emulsification, cautery, and cut modes of operation
Functions can be controlled by foot pedal, remote control, or on the console.

Phaco Handpiece: Top of Page

What are the Phaco Handpiece Components: Top of Page

Tell me about the Phaco Piezoelectirc crystal: Top of Page

Pair of ceramic crystals which vary in size resembling thick washers. When electrified the tip vibrates longitudinally (like a jackhammer) thousands of times per second. Crystals are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature. There are no moving parts in a Handpiece.

What are common Reasons for handpiece failure: Top of Page

500 Uses in general will lead to some kind of failure
Crystals cracked
Cord (wire) damage
Connector damage
Tip damage
Jammed Needles
Clogged aspiration port
Sterilization is the primary cause of failure even under normal use
Repeated exposure to heat and pressure causes the crystals to depolarize, or causes breaks in the mold/seals which allows moisture intrusion.
Moisture intrusion will cause electrical failure
Always follow the manufacturers sterilization and cooling instructions.

Phaco Handpeice Repair Procedure: Top of Page

Shell, header assembly, horn, etc. Top of Page

Complete new subassemblies and test each. Cable assembly, transducer stack assembly and cable stack assembly and final assembly.
Final test, autoclave and retest
Ship to customer.

Phaco repair considerations: Top of Page

Most of the time a handpiece must be disassembled to determine which components have failed. The machine does not provide a failure analysis on the handpiece. Only external damage (cord and tip damage) and certain connector problems can be detected prior to disassembly.
Manufacturers do not trouble-shoot or do minor repairs. They send out exchange handpieces.
Manufacturer does not repair. Handpieces are replaced.
Standard warranty is 90 days on component failure or on workmanship.

Service Options: Top of Page

Send in your handpiece and receive a quote the next day.
Approved repairs ship within 48 hours. (Ozil and Neosonix require and extra 24 hours)
Emergency exchanges are available. Give us a call. We overnight a handpeice to you and you send us your damaged handpiece the next day.
No loaners are available.