
To perform a capsulorhexis with the blade, the surgeon first fills the anterior chamber with viscoelastic as with a conventional tear capsulotomy, then he simply "draws" or traces the desired size and shape on the capsule. The surgeon activates the unit's foot switch, and the tip will cut any tissue with which it comes in contact. Its handpiece is the size of a phaco handpiece and has a disposable tip. In contrast, diathermy produces a weak edge that is prone to "tear-out." The Fugo Plasma Blade comes with a console the size of a shoebox that is powered by a rechargeable internal battery. The blade creates a strong capsulorhexis edge, similar to a tear capsulotomy. The Fugo Plasma Blade works in a manner somewhat similar to diathermy. At this time, I have experience only with using the instrument to create capsulorhexes, and it can be very helpful for the fibrotic capsule sometimes seen in traumatic cataracts and after silicone oil use (Figure 1). It is now marketed by MediSURG Research & Management Corporation in Norristown, PA, and is approved in the US for capsulorhexis creation, glaucoma filtering surgery, and iridotomy.

The Fugo Plasma Blade was introduced by Richard Fugo, MD, PhD, Director of the Fugo Eye Institute in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 2000. The Pros and Cons of the Fugo Plasma Bladeĭoes the Capsulorhexis Affect Refractive Outcomes? Strategies for Managing the Difficult Capsulorhexis Why Did We Abandon the Can-Opener Capsulotomy?Ĭreating the Capsulorhexis Through Microincisions The History of the Capsulorhexis Technique Treating Corneal Pellucid Marginal DegenerationĬorrecting Capsular Contraction After Crystalens Implantation
