DMEK: from laboratory to operating theatre – a scientific approach to simplify surgery and improve outcomes in endothelial keratoplasty

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: Cornea - Surgical

Session Date/Time: Saturday 05/09/2015 | 15:00-16:30

Paper Time: 15:50

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 4

First Author: : M.Bhogal UK

Co Author(s): :    B. Allen              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe the rationale for choosing the correct option for various steps in DMEK surgery.

Setting:

The institute of ophthalmology, University College London and the Department Cornea and External Diseases Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.

Methods:

We developed a novel endothelial viability assessment method to determine the safest method of dmek transplant preparation. We evaluated the safety of using viscoelastic for the descemetorhexis using a OCT model with gold nanoparticles. We evaluated the safety of our marking scheme in vivo and evaluated the effect of introducing this on our primary failure rate. Finally we evaluated a effect of intraocular graft manipulation on endothelial cell loss using customized image analysis and novel instrument tracking metrics.

Results:

We have determined that a peeling preparation technique is safer than a fluid bubble technique. Cohesive viscoelastic is safe for use in DMEK for descemetorhexis whereas dispersive viscoelastics are retained in the interface. Video tracking software can be used to measure iatrogenic graft damage and predicts endothelial cell loss.

Conclusions:

Applying a scientific approach to endothelial surgery will improve outcomes and can utilised in the study of tissue preparation ad surgical techniques.

Financial Interest:

NONE