Posters

Descemet’s stripping pseudo endothelial keratoplasty

Poster Details

First Author: O. Daphna ISRAEL

Co Author(s):    A. Marcovich                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Descemet’s Stripping Pseudo Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSPEK) is a posterior lamellar surgery in which the recipient's Descemet's membrane is replaced by a silicone implant. This implant acts as an artificial fluid barrier in the posterior surface of the cornea. The purpose is to assess the feasibility of DSPEK surgery in an animal model, and to investigate its efficacy.

Setting:

Animal study Naan laboratory

Methods:

8 rabbits and 8 pigs underwent Descemet's stripping in one eye.In 6 rabbits and 6 pigs a 7-10.5 mm silicon layer was implanted using an air bubble for its attachment (in a similar way to DSAEK operation). The rest were left as a control group. Follow up was between 1 month to a year. We used Slit-lamp, pachymetry, histology and anterior segment OCT for the follow up.

Results:

In all the animals as long as the implant is attached the cornea remains clear. In one rabbit we have observed corneal perforation, 2 pigs demonstrated corneal ulcer, one of them recovered. One of the pigs was followed up to a year with a clear cornea.

Conclusions:

The preliminary results suggest a possibility of using a fluid barrier as a substitute for endothelium in the treatment of corneal edema: As long as an attached implant was achieved, a positive effect on corneal edema was demonstrated.

Financial Disclosure:

One or more of the authors is employed by a forNONEprofit company with an interest in the subject of the presentation, One or more of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a competing company, One or more of the authors research is funded, fully or partially, by a competing company