Lamellar excimer laser keratoplasty: reproducible photoablation of corneal tissue. A laboratory study

Laser-assisted corneal transplantation surgery

Corneal transplant surgeries have a broad range of indications with outcomes largely dependent on surgeon experience. Traditional manual techniques have certain limitations pertaining to the preparation of donor tissue and the recipient bed that might affect the predictability of visual outcomes. Use of lasers for keratoplasty procedures not only improves the repeatability and consistency of the technique, but also enables the surgeon to control the thickness and shape of the transplant tissue tailored to the specific condition. Despite the advantages, cost-effectiveness and technical know-how remain the major challenges. We discuss the various techniques of laser-assisted keratoplasties with respect to their methods, precision, and efficacy in various corneal indications.

Reducing porcine corneal graft rejection, with an emphasis on porcine endogenous retrovirus transmission safety: a review

Donor cornea shortage is a primary hurdle in the development of corneal transplantation. Of all species, porcine corneas are the ideal transplantation material for humans. However, the xenoimmune rejection induced by porcine corneal xenotransplantation compromises surgical efficacy. Although the binding of IgM/IgG in human serum to a genetically modified porcine cornea is significantly weaker than that of the wild type (WT), genetically modified porcine corneas do not display a prolonged graft survival time in vivo. Conversely, costimulatory blockade drugs, such as anti-CD40 antibodies, can reduce the xenoimmune response and prolong graft survival time in animal experiments. Moreover, porcine endothelial grafts can survive for more than 6mo with only the subconjunctival injection of a steroid-based immunosuppressants regime; therefore, they show great value for treating corneal endothelial disease. In addition, zoonotic transmission is a primary concern of xenotransplantation. Porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) is the most significant virus assessed by ophthalmologists. PERV integrates into the porcine genome and infects human cells in vitro. Fortunately, no evidence from in vivo studies has yet shown that PERV can be transmitted to hosts.

Current techniques of lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus

In recent years, there has been a considerable interest regarding the concept of lamellar keratoplasty (LK), which contributed in spreading the use of this procedure in the treatment of keratoconus. This is a new frontier in corneal surgery that minimizes trauma on the recipient patient since it works on a "closed bulb". The LK surgery, in fact, aims to selectively replace diseased corneal stroma, leaving the healthy endothelium. The main advantage of LK is to avoid major causes of failure of penetrating keratoplasty as immunological rejection, and the late mismatch in the transplanted cornea, thus increasing the life of transplantation. In the last decade, several techniques of LK have been proposed, depending on how the anterior portion of the recipient cornea is removed. This article, through a literary research reviews the various emerging techniques of anterior lamellar surgery for the management of keratoconus, analyzing their indications, visual outcomes, and rate of complications.

Optical pachymetry-guided custom excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty for the surgical treatment of keratoconus

PURPOSE

To evaluate the anatomic and functional results of optical pachymetry-guided custom excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty in keratoconus patients.

SETTING

Eye Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.

DESIGN

Prospective noncomparative case series.

METHODS

Patients with keratoconus having unilateral surgery using custom excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty were evaluated. A transepithelial excimer laser ablation was planned to leave an estimated uniform thickness residual stromal corneal bed of 200 μm. The donor lamella was prepared with the excimer laser and subsequently sutured to the host cornea using 16 single 10-0 nylon sutures. The eyes were examined preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Outcome measures were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, manifest refraction, computerized videokeratography, pachymetry, and endothelial specular microscopy.

RESULTS

Of the forty-three treated eyes, 35 were available at the 24-month follow-up visit, at which time the UDVA was better than 20/60 in 16 patients (45.7%) and the CDVA was 20/40 or better in 31 patients (88.6%). The mean refractive astigmatism was -2.11 diopters (D) (P<.05) and the mean spherical equivalent manifest refraction, -2.60 D (P<.05). No statistically significant changes in mean corneal endothelial cell density were observed postoperatively. In 1 case, the donor lamella was exchanged secondary to an altered reepithelialization process with initial corneal melting.

CONCLUSION

Two-year findings indicate that pachymetry-guided custom excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty is a useful surgical treatment for moderate to advanced keratoconus, preventing the need for the more invasive procedure of penetrating keratoplasty.

Experimental evaluation of online optical coherence pachymetry for corneal refractive surgery

PURPOSE

Online optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) allows to monitor central changes of the corneal cross section intraoperatively. In this experimental evaluation the validity of the optical measurements for corneal refractive surgery was assessed.

METHODS

Online OCP based on low-coherence interferometry with a wavelength of 1310 nm and a measurement frequency of 74 Hz was directly integrated in a clinical excimer laser. In 16 patients the central corneal thickness was measured with online OCP and ultrasound pachymetry (US). Furthermore, the ablation characteristics were assessed in corneoscleral discs unsuitable for transplantation (n=12) and PMMA samples (n=18).

RESULTS

Online OCP was possible in all patients and materials studied. The mean central corneal thickness was 537+/-31 microm (OCP) and 546+/-33 microm (US). The corneal reproducibility was +/-4.3 microm (coefficient of variation [CV] 0.8%) with online OCP and +/-3.7 microm (CV 0.68%) with US. The reproducibility in PMMA samples was +/-1.0 microm (CV 0.16%). There was a significant correlation between online OCP and US measurements (r=0.93, P<0.001). The mean difference was 9.1 microm or 1.69% (P=0.01), and the limits of agreement (95% CI) ranged from -15 microm to 33 microm. There was a significant linear relationship (r=0,95; P<0.001) between the calculated and the optically determined ablation depth with online OCP. Also ablation depth measurements in PMMA correlated positively with spectrophotometric values (r=0.98; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this experimental evaluation, online OCP revealed to be a precise and reproducible method to assess the central corneal thickness and its changes intraoperatively. This could be important to monitor incisional and excimer laser-based corneal refractive procedures, such as PRK or LASIK.

Reproducibility of corneal flap thickness in laser in situ keratomileusis using the Hansatome microkeratome

PURPOSE

To evaluate the reproducibility of flap thickness during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and to analyze the effect of preoperative central corneal thickness and corneal keratometric power on flap thickness.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey.

METHODS

One hundred forty eyes with a mean preoperative pachymetry of 554.4 microm +/- 36.3 (SD) and a mean keratometry of 43.5 +/- 1.9 diopters had LASIK using the Hansatome automated microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb Surgical) and a 193 nm argon-fluoride excimer laser (Summit SVS Apex Plus). The 180 microm microkeratome plate was used in all procedures. Corneal thickness was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter (Advent, Mentor O&O Inc.) before and during the flap procedure, and the difference was taken as flap thickness. The data were analyzed using a 1-tailed t test and Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The mean flap thickness was 120. 8 +/- 26.3 microm. There was a low correlation between baseline central corneal thickness and corneal flap thickness (P =.6, r = 0. 046). There was no correlation between preoperative keratometry and flap thickness (P =.01, r = 0.203).

CONCLUSIONS

The Hansatome microkeratome does not always produce a corneal flap of the intended thickness. Factors other than keratometry and pachymetry must affect flap thickness.

The evolution of lamellar grafting techniques over twenty-five years

The history of lamellar keratoplasty (LK) surgery spans over 100 years, and the advantages of lamellar surgery have long been known. The surgery is usually used for tectonic purposes; however, new techniques and technology over the past 25 years have expanded the applications of LK in optical rehabilitation. Instrumentation such as viscoelastics, diamond knives, ultrasonic pachymetry, artificial anterior chambers, advanced microkeratomes, and the excimer laser have enhanced our ability to work more safely in the tedious microsurgical environment of the lamellar procedure. Advances in surgical techniques such as deep lamellar anterior keratoplasty and deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty have expanded the application of lamellar surgery to endothelial replacement and have achieved visual results approaching those of penetrating keratoplasty while reducing the rate of rejection and improving the long-term graft stability. As research continues, LK promises to be an increasingly important option for the corneal surgeon.

Corneal Lathing Using the Excimer Laser and a Computer-controlled Positioning System

PURPOSE

To present the excimer laser corneal shaping system (ELCS-S), an add-on device to the Keratom, a commercially available 193-nm excimer laser built by Schwind.

METHODS

The system is designed for the preparation of donor corneas under sterile conditions using the ultraviolet laser to offer greatest possible flexibility. Lenticules for planolamellar grafting and refractive epikeratoplasty, as well as donor buttons for penetrating keratoplasty can be computer-designed by the surgeon or technician and lathed with the system.

RESULTS

Using the excimer laser corneal shaping system (ELCS-S) on human donor corneas, the central surface of the epikeratoplasty lenticule exhibited only narrow, flat concentric notches corresponding to the single lathing steps. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a damage zone of less than 0.3 microm in close approximation to the treated surface. The final thickness revealed a difference of less than +/-53 microm from the intended, initially programmed value. Ultrastructural studies showed the perpendicular stromal surface of the penetrating keratoplasty buttons to be smooth with minimal protrusion of Descemet's membrane. Endothelial injury was observed in a zone averaging between 40 and 100 microm adjacent to the cutting edge only.

CONCLUSION

The excimer laser corneal shaping system (ELCS-S) allows a computer-controlled, surgeon-designed, sterile preparation of lamellar and penetrating corneal grafts with the use of the excimer laser. This could offer significant advantages in comparison to presently available systems for lamellar dissection and trephination.

Evaluation of Corneal Flap Dimensions and Cut Quality Using the Automated Corneal Shaper Microkeratome

PURPOSE

To evaluate flap dimensions and cut deterioration with repeated blade use in an automated microkeratome.

METHODS

The Automated Corneal Shaper (Chiron-Adatomed, Munich, Germany), 160-microm plate attached, was used to make a corneal flap in 90 pig cadaver eyes, reusing blades up to five times. Flap diameter was measured by planimetry and thickness was calculated by ultrasound pachymetry. Scanning electron microscopy of stromal beds and blade cutting edges was performed to assess cut deterioration after repeated blade use.

RESULTS

Mean flap central thickness was 125 +/- 32 microm. Mean vertical flap diameter was 7.6 +/- 0.4 mm. No correlation was found between thickness and diameter (r = 0.15, P = .45). Progressive thinning of the flap was observed in the direction of the flap hinge. Smooth cuts (using new blades) with periodic chatter lines at the keratectomy edge and in the stromal bed were observed with scanning electron microscopy. Increasing tissue remnants on the stromal bed and decreasing cut quality occurred with repeated blade use. Blades showed larger tissue remnants, nicks, and even folds on the cutting edge proportional to the number of times blades were used.

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory cut quality and reproducibility were obtained after a single use of stainless steel blades in the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome. Cut quality was degraded dramatically by repeated use of blades.

Laser shaping of corneal transplants in vitro: area ablation with small overlapping laser spots produced by a pulsed scanning laser beam using an optimizing ablation algorithm

Area laser lathing and trephination of donor corneas is used to produce different types of grafts for human transplantation. 193 nm (ArF excimer) laser radiation is used, since this is known to give a non-thermal laser-tissue interaction with a minimal zone of tissue damage. To guarantee the highest degree of flexibility concerning the overall shape of the grafts as well as their thickness profiles, we use a small (compared with the area to be ablated) scanning laser spot. For area lathing of the tissue we have developed a new ablation algorithm (optimized scanning laser ablation, OSLA) that can be applied to lathe and perforate any tissue--with concave (as in this application), convex or plane surface geometry--where surface precision and smoothness are key issues. Using OSLA with the Excimer Laser Corneal Shaping System (a tool for in vitro fabrication of all kinds of corneal transplants like donor buttons for keratoplasty, lamellar grafts for epikeratoplasty and refractive lenticules) enabled us to produce all types of corneal grafts with very high precision. This is considered to be a major improvement towards the production of refractive lenticules.

Excimer Laser Lamellar Keratoplasty of Augmented Thickness for Keratoconus

PURPOSE

We describe a modified surgical technique for the treatment of patients in the early stage of keratoconus, when it is still possible to correct the astigmatic ametropia with contact lenses.

METHODS

Excimer laser lamellar keratoplasty of augmented thickness (ELLKAT) is a procedure in which a deep plano excimer laser ablation is done on the host cornea and a donor lamellar button--with or without an excimer laser refractive ablation on the posterior surface--is sutured into the recipient bed. In 12 of 20 eyes, the homoplastic button, which had parallel faces and was devoid of any dioptric power, was treated refractively on its stromal face with a Chiron Keracor 116 excimer laser to correct the axial and/or induced myopia present due to the weakened cornea.

RESULTS

The 8 eyes that received donor buttons without excimer laser ablation had improved spectacle-corrected visual acuity from a mean preoperative value of 20/100 (no eye saw 20/40 or better before surgery) to a mean postoperative value of 20/30 after 18 months. Mean refractive astigmatism was reduced from 4.84 +/- 2.34 D to 1.00 +/- 0.46 D. Mean keratometric power was reduced from 56.75 +/- 8.01 D to 44.21 +/- 2.12 D. The associated mean spherical equivalent refraction was reduced from -4.75 to -3.00 D. Mean corneal thickness increased from 422.25 +/- 83 microns preoperatively to 562.87 +/- 57.81 microns postoperatively. The 12 eyes that received donor lamellar buttons treated with excimer laser also had improved spectacle-corrected visual acuity from a mean preoperative value of 20/100 to a mean postoperative value of 20/30 after 18 months. Astigmatism was reduced from a mean 4.84 +/- 2.77 D to 1.66 +/- 1.30 D; mean keratometric power was reduced from 56.08 +/- 7.00 D to 45.31 +/- 2.08 D; and the associated mean spherical equivalent refraction was reduced from -8.75 to -1.75 D. Corneal thickness increased from a mean 414.25 +/- 64.75 microns preoperatively to 576.75 +/- 28.23 microns postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Compared to penetrating keratoplasty, excimer laser lamellar keratoplasty of augmented thickness for keratoconus has the advantage of preserving the host endothelium and of reducing the refractive error in keratoconus.

Thermal effects in excimer laser trephination of the cornea

BACKGROUND

Excimer laser trephination, as an alternative to mechanical trephination of the cornea in penetrating keratoplasty, is expected to reduce long-term postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Trephination with high energy densities may induce thermal epithelial alterations when metal aperture masks are used.

METHODS

Ninety porcine eyes fixed in an artificial anterior chamber (20 mmHg) were trephined with a 193-nm excimer laser in order to study the effect of the temperature on the cornea and the aperture mask during and after termination of the laser exposure. Energy levels tested were in the range used in patients. A pyroelectric infrared sensor connected to a PC via an analog-digital converter was used. With a high-speed sampling routine written in C+2 it was possible to monitor on line the temperature in a focus 0.8 mm in diameter.

RESULTS

In donor trephination the maximum temperature increase of the metal mask was 11 K (donor tissue 6.1 K, repetition rate 30/s). During recipient trephination the maximum temperature increase of the mask was 9.4 K (7.5 K on the cornea). An increase in the repetition rate and a decrease in the rotation speed resulted in greater temperature increase of the exposed cornea or metal mask.

CONCLUSIONS

Online monitoring of cornea and mask surface temperatures during excimer laser trephination is possible using high-speed sampling equipment. Appropriate adjustment of repetition rate and rotation speed may reduce thermal effects, especially in donor trephination.

Excimer laser lamellar keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To evaluate a procedure using the excimer laser to perform lamellar keratoplasty to treat deep corneal scars in the central optical zone. To determine if excimer laser can safely prepare a smooth surface for the host bed and the donor button, assess the interface opacity and evaluate the effects of the ablation on the recipient's endothelial surface with the deeper ablation.

METHODS

Nineteen rabbits underwent an excimer laser lamellar keratoplasty in one eye. The rabbits were followed for 9 to 12 weeks until they were sacrificed.

RESULTS

Little opacity developed at the graft-host interface and scanning electron microscopy of the endothelial surface showed little difference between the treated and untreated areas or the endothelium of the untreated eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the use of the excimer laser to treat corneas with deep stromal scars and normal endothelium is feasible. However, we have not proved that this technique will give a better result than conventional lamellar dissection methods.