Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new Intrepid Hybrid tip and Active Sentry handpiece in comparison to the Intrepid Balanced tip and Centurion Ozil handpiece.
Methods: One hundred sixty-eight eyes were included in the study and randomized into Group 1 (Active Sentry handpiece + Intrepid Hybrid tip, n = 86) and Group 2 (Centurion Ozil handpiece + Intrepid Balanced tip, n = 82). Data were collected from the phaco device, including total U/S time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), the total number of active surge mitigation actuations (ASM actuations), torsional amplitude, torsional amplitude on time, estimated fluid of aspirated, and aspiration time. Endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were assessed. A correlation analysis was performed between ASM actuations, phaco metrics, and patient characteristics in Group 1.
Results: The CDE, torsional amplitude measured in Group 1 (8.8 ± 3.9, 51.2 ± 13.3, respectively) were significantly lower than those of Group 2 (10.4 ± 4.2, 65.2 ± 9.3, respectively). While no complications were observed in group 1, there were posterior capsule rupture in 2 eyes and iris damage in 1 eye in group 2. The mean ECC and CCT were similar at 1 month. The ASM actuations were more engaged in the eyes with pseudoexfoliation and small pupils.
Conclusion: The combination of the new Intrepid Hybrid tip and Active Sentry handpiece enables safer cataract procedures without compromising efficacy due to its surge prevention mechanisms and special tip design. It could be a good option for residents in training.
Keywords: Phacoemulsification; active sentry; handpiece; intrepid hybrid; phaco tip; sensor.