Phacoemulsification in a patient with a deep brain stimulator

We describe a 62-year-old man with a deep brain stimulator who had cataract surgery performed by phacoemulsification. Representatives of Medtronic and Alcon Laboratories would not sanction our proceeding with cataract surgery because of the possible interaction between the ultrasound and the device. Simulated cataract surgery 1 week before the scheduled operation failed to produce any consequences. One week later, the patient had uneventful cataract surgery. Although a single case does not guarantee the lack of interference between the ultrasound used in phacoemulsification and the deep brain stimulator, our safe outcome may warrant a place in the ophthalmic literature.