Posters

Our first results in UT-DSAEK using anterior chamber pressure (ACP) system in combination with One Use-Plus (OUP) automated microkeratome

Poster Details

First Author: A.Volinia ITALY

Co Author(s):    L. Avoni   A. Bratu   A. Saitta   D. D'Eliseo           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety to use the One-Use Plus (OUP) microkeratome in combination with anterior chamber pressure (ACP) system for preparation of ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) grafts. All endothelial grafts have been created in this way then were transplanted. We evaluate visual acuity, endothelial cell density and lamellar surface size and regularity 6 months after UT-DSAEK.

Setting:

Hospital 'Santa Maria delle Croci' of Ravenna, Italy

Methods:

11 patients with irreversible corneal endothelial dysfunction dues to Fuchs' dystrophy,7 underwent to UT-DSAEK and 4 underwent to UT-DSAEK and cataract surgery. All grafts were regular and subtle with a thickness between 85-100 micron.Donor and lamellar central corneal thickness were measured using anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT; Cassia SS-1000; Tomey,Nagoya, Japan). Primary outcome measure is best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures endothelial cell loss, incidence of graft rejection and primary graft failure. Furthermore, adverse events, including complications, will be reported for each patient. Measurements are performed before and 1,3 and 6 months after the intervention.

Results:

BCVA averaged 20/80 preoperatively and 20/25 postoperatively (P < 0.0001). After UT-DSAEK, all patients showed improved BCVA achieved a BCVA of 20/25 or better. Endothelial cell density of donor corneas averaged 2526 � 70 cells/mm, whereas the mean postoperative density was 2374 � 40 cells/mm. This finding corresponded to an average loss of 152 cells/mm (6% loss; P < 0.0001). All grafts were clear and well located after the intervention.

Conclusions:

The One-Use Plus microkeratome in combination with anterior chamber pressure system is suited for the preparation of UT-DSAEK lamellae and it allows to the surgeons to create in surgery grafts of the desidered thickness.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE