Femtosecond laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasty: 5 year follow-up of anvil profile

Session Details

Session Title: Refractive Corneal Surgery

Session Date/Time: Wednesday 17/09/2014 | 08:00-09:30

Paper Time: 08:41

Venue: Boulevard A

First Author: : L.Menabuoni ITALY

Co Author(s): :    I. Lenzetti   A. Canovetti   A. Malandrini   H. Durkeee   F. Rossi   R. Pini

Abstract Details

Purpose:

to report a 5 years follow up study of the anvil profile in laser assisted PK

Setting:

All the surgeries were performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, S. Stefano Hospital, Prato, Italy

Methods:

35 eyes underwent anvil PK. An Intralase Femtosecond Laser 150 KHz (iFS150TM, Abbott Medical Optics -AMO, Santa Ana, CA, USA) was used to create anvil shaped penetrating cuts on both donor and recipient corneas. Diode laser welding procedure was performed in order to improve the healing process. All patients were evaluated for corrected distance visual acuity, pachimetry, topography and endothelial cell density. Mathematical modeling of internal and external load was used to compare standard and anvil profiles.

Results:

All surgeries were successful and without any intraoperative complications. This profile enables a safe and easy to perform suturing procedure, with an immediate closure effect evidenced during surgery. The large interface between donor and recipient tissue supports the laser welding procedure. A 5 years follow up study showed that the anvil shaped flap provides a better visual acuity recovery and a reduction in the number of rejection. The modeling supported the clinical findings, evidencing a good resistance to mechanical load.

Conclusions:

The use of anvil trephination profile was effective and safe to perform PK. Long term visual results and refractive results are encouraging compared with those of conventional PK studies.

Financial Interest:

NONE