Split and lift: nuclear quadrant management for phacoemulsification.

A bimanual technique for handling the nuclear quadrants created during "in situ fracture" or "divide-and-conquer" phacoemulsification after capsulorhexis is described. This technique involves lifting the sharp apex of each nuclear quadrant anteriorly, permitting centralization of the quadrant for emulsification. Complications and difficulties associated with other methods of nuclear quadrant handling, such as tumbling and use of high vacuum level settings, are avoided.