Automated Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet Membrane Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMAEK): An Experimental Study

作者：Kymionis George D^*; Yoo Sonia H; Diakonis Vasilios F; Grenzelos Michael A; Naoumidi Irini; Pallikaris Ioannis G

来源：Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging, 2011, 42(2).

DOI：10.3928/15428877-20101223-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Graft harvesting for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) occurs manually and demonstrates surgical difficulties. In the current study, a mechanical automated technique for preparing a donor Descemet membrane (DM) carrying autologous endothelium for DMEK was evaluated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten rabbit corneas were placed on an artificial anterior chamber and mechanical separation of the DM was conducted using an Epi-keratome (Senturium; Norwood Abbey EyeCare, Victoria, Australia). All DM specimens were properly fixated and optical microscopy was performed.
RESULTS: DM separation was achieved in a controlled fashion in 7 of 10 eyes. As demonstrated by optical microscopy of the specimens, no corneal stroma was attached on the DM, whereas the endothelial layer was preserved in several areas.
CONCLUSION: Automated separation of the DM can be achieved using an Epi-keratome. Additional studies and improvements of the current technique are needed to draw final conclusions.

• 出版日期2011-4