What equipment is used to remove a cataract using ultrasonic vibration and aspiration?

The use of a phacoemulsification unit is essential for the cataract removal process involving ultrasonic vibration and aspiration. This specialized piece of equipment utilizes high-frequency sound waves to emulsify the cataractous lens material, breaking it down into tiny fragments. After the lens has been emulsified, the system simultaneously aspirates the debris through a fine probe, allowing for effective removal from the eye. This technique, known as phacoemulsification, is widely recognized for its minimally invasive approach and is a standard practice in cataract surgery.

Other equipment listed, such as a laser cutter, may be used in certain types of cataract procedures, but it does not perform ultrasonic vibration and aspiration. An intraocular lens inserter is a device used to place the new lens after the cataract has been removed, rather than for the removal process itself. A microscope, while crucial for providing a magnified view of the surgical field, is not directly involved in the removal of the cataract but rather assists the surgeon in visualizing and guiding the procedure.