These presentations are geared toward surgeons ready to perfect a range of techniques, from phaco flip to divide-and-conquer. The viewer may practice the various steps involved in presbyopic lens exchange or learn strategies for managing the errant capsulorhexis.

You may note that a few of our pieces have appeared in previous issues. We selected these techniques, because they are a few of the most enduring, and we saw the value in reprinting them with live video demonstrations.

Among the videos featured is “Managing the Errant Capsulorhexis,” by William J. Fishkind, MD, FACS, which shows how a forceps should grasp the tearing capsule close to the end of the tear. To turn the tear, it is crucial to redirect the tear directly toward the center of the nucleus.

Steven H. Dewey, MD, demonstrates improved safety in cortical removal with his contribution entitled “J-Cannula Irrigation Simplifies Cortical Removal.” As shown in his video clips, this technique can quickly displace cortex from the hidden confines of the peripheral capsule. With practice, a surgeon will be able to use this technique to strip an entire cortical bowl and even eliminate standard aspiration in a high percentage of cases.

Writing on the phaco quick- chop technique, Louis D. Nichamin, MD, explains the importance of verifying that each successive cleavage plane has been made completely through the lens. The video clip illustrates the manner in which the surgeon creates the cleavage plane, by assertively pressing the distal tip of the chopping instrument into the nucleus as the phaco tip provides countertraction.

We hope that you will be able to use these articles and their accompanying video demonstrations to your professional advantage. If you find that the CD-ROM enhances your comprehension of the techniques described and would like us to use this dual-media approach with future topics, please send your ideas to letters@bmctoday.com.