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Phaco Handpiece Repairs: Why and When to Repair

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Loss of Power or Efficiency

  • When: If the handpiece starts delivering less ultrasonic power or becomes inefficient during surgery, it may need repair.
  • Why: The motor or internal components responsible for generating ultrasound vibrations can wear down over time. A decrease in power means the handpiece may struggle to emulsify the cataract lens effectively, which can lead to longer surgery times and potentially less safe outcomes.
  • Repair: The internal motor or circuitry may need repair or replacement to restore proper function.

Overheating

  • When: If the handpiece becomes excessively hot during use, it can be a sign that something is wrong.
  • Why: Overheating can occur if there is a malfunction in the cooling system or if the handpiece is not operating within its intended parameters. Continuous overheating can lead to permanent damage to the handpiece, as well as risks for the patient (e.g., thermal injury to ocular tissues).
  • Repair: The cooling system (such as the water supply) or internal parts may need repair or adjustment to prevent overheating.

Leakage

  • When: If there is water or fluid leakage from the handpiece during use, it needs to be addressed immediately.
  • Why: Phaco handpieces rely on a water or irrigation system to maintain a controlled environment during surgery. Leaks can indicate cracks or seals that have worn down, compromising the functionality of the handpiece.
  • Repair: The seals, tubing, or other parts of the fluid system may need to be replaced or repaired to prevent leakage.

Mechanical Failures

  • When: If the handpiece’s tip or probe becomes bent, cracked, or damaged in any way, it can affect the surgeon's ability to perform surgery effectively.
  • Why: Mechanical failures can occur from mishandling, improper sterilization, or accidental drops. The tip or probe may become damaged, affecting the quality of the ultrasonic vibrations and the precision of the surgery.
  • Repair: The damaged part, often the tip or probe, will need to be replaced to restore full functionality.

Loss of Irrigation or Aspiration Function

  • When: If the irrigation or aspiration system stops working correctly (e.g., fluid doesn't flow or suction isn't strong enough), the handpiece needs to be repaired.
  • Why: Phacoemulsification requires a balanced fluid system to maintain anterior chamber pressure and remove the emulsified lens material. A failure in irrigation or aspiration could be caused by blockages, damaged tubing, or malfunctioning pumps.
  • Repair: The irrigation and aspiration systems may need cleaning, unclogging, or component replacement.

Vibration or Noise Issues

  • When: If the handpiece begins vibrating irregularly or producing unusual sounds during surgery, it may need attention.
  • Why: Irregular vibrations or excessive noise can indicate issues with the internal motor or components of the handpiece. These issues can affect the precision of the ultrasonic energy delivered to the lens.
  • Repair: The motor or internal components may need repair, or parts like bearings or seals may need to be replaced.

Electrical Failures

  • When: If the handpiece stops functioning entirely or has intermittent power, the handpiece will need to be repaired.
  • Why: Electrical problems can stem from damaged wires, faulty connections, or malfunctions in the power supply. This can cause the handpiece to fail during surgery, posing a risk to both the surgeon and the patient.
  • Repair: The electrical components will need inspection, with faulty wires, connectors, or circuits being replaced.

Frequent Clogging or Blockages

  • When: If there are persistent issues with clogging of the handpiece's fluid or aspiration systems, repair may be required.
  • Why: Clogs can occur due to debris buildup, protein accumulation, or mineral deposits, especially when not properly cleaned after each use. A blocked system can affect the overall performance of the handpiece, leading to surgical complications.
  • Repair: Cleaning or replacing the fluid pathways, tubing, or filters might be necessary to restore proper function.

Frequent Calibration Issues

  • When: If the handpiece consistently requires recalibration or if it cannot hold its settings during surgery, it may need repair.
  • Why: Calibration issues often arise from problems with internal components or software malfunctions, causing the handpiece to lose its preset parameters. This can impact the accuracy of the phacoemulsification process.
  • Repair: The handpiece may need recalibration, or its internal sensors or software may need updating or repair.
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Why and When to Repair

  • When: This happens gradually with frequent use, especially after many cuts on the cornea or other ocular tissues.
  • Why: Diamond knives have a sharp cutting edge, and as they make repeated incisions, the sharpness of the diamond edge can wear down, causing it to become dull.
  • Repair: The dull edge will need to be re-sharpened or replaced to maintain the precision necessary for delicate surgeries. Dulling can affect incision quality, making it less smooth or precise.
  • When: This can occur from dropping the knife, mishandling, or using excessive force during surgery.
  • Why: Diamond is a very hard material but can be brittle, and when subjected to sudden impact or stress, it can chip or crack, impairing the knife’s functionality.
  • Repair: If the diamond blade is chipped or cracked, it will require professional repair or replacement, as damaged sections will compromise the safety and precision of incisions
  • When: The handle can wear down or become damaged due to regular handling, sterilization, or accidental impact.
  • Why: Prolonged use or poor handling practices can lead to loosened components, cracks, or other damage to the handle, making it less ergonomic or safe to use.
  • Repair: Repairing or replacing the handle ensures the knife remains secure and easy to control during surgery.
  • When: This is a rare but possible issue, especially if the knife isn’t properly cleaned or sterilized.
  • Why: Although diamond itself doesn’t rust, the metal components of the knife can corrode over time due to exposure to moisture, improper cleaning, or harsh sterilization techniques.
  • Repair: Corrosion can be cleaned, and damaged parts can be replaced, but severe corrosion may require the whole knife to be retired.
  • When: Over time, the alignment of the diamond edge or handle could be slightly misaligned, especially if the knife has undergone multiple repairs or heavy use.
  • Why: The blade's position or sharpness could change, leading to a loss of cutting accuracy, which is critical in eye surgeries where precision is paramount.
  • Repair: A misaligned or imprecise diamond knife needs professional adjustment or recalibration to restore its cutting precision.
  • When: Inconsistent or improper sterilization can lead to contaminants affecting the performance of the diamond knife.
  • Why: If the knife is not cleaned and sterilized properly between uses, it can harbor bacteria or other particles that can affect both its function and safety.
  • Repair: Cleaning or sterilization problems often need thorough inspection and may require specialized maintenance.
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Phaco Handpiece and Diamond Knife Repair Service

Do you have broken or faulty instruments in the OR? Are they sitting uselessly in a drawer? We specialize in instrument repairs to help you salvage costly instruments and devices so you can worry less about ordering replacements and focus more on delivering positive patient outcomes. We are happy to help in whatever way we can.

Call us:

(425) 753-0833

Email us:

support@visionventions.com