Modified triple procedure using a temporary keratoprosthesis for closed-system, small-incision cataract surgery

Temporary keratoprostheses in anterior and posterior segment surgery: A narrative review of their history and development

Visualizing the posterior segment during vitreoretinal surgery can be difficult in eyes with concurrent corneal opacity. Temporary keratoprostheses have emerged as devices that ensure visibility of the posterior vitreous cavity while simultaneously preserving the donor corneal graft. Several models of these devices are described in the current literature, and new design models and surgical techniques surrounding their use continue to be developed. We summarize the different temporary keratoprosthesis models with their associated surgical techniques, advantages, and shortcomings; discuss the clinical results of studies utilizing these devices; and examine alternative tools and techniques for approaching combined anterior and posterior segment operations.

Comparative study of penetrating keratoplasty and vitreoretinal surgery with Eckardt temporary keratoprosthesis in ocular trauma versus non-trauma patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of temporary keratoprosthesis combined with vitreoretinal surgery and penetrating keratoplasty in patients with or without trauma.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 49 eyes in 49 non-trauma patients and 51 eyes in 48 ocular trauma patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty and vitreoretinal surgery with Eckardt temporary keratoprosthesis between 2009 and 2016, with a follow-up of at least 12 months. Study variables included previous corneal, glaucoma, or retinal surgeries; various intraoperative surgical maneuvers; lens status; vitreoretinal and corneal pathology; functional outcomes; anatomical retinal reattachment; graft clarity; and need for glaucoma surgery or treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age was 56 years in the non-trauma group and 42 years in the ocular trauma group. A total of 45% of the non-trauma cases and 24% of the ocular trauma cases had a single functional eye. Pseudophakic and aphakic keratopathy was diagnosed in 41% of the non-trauma group and corneal laceration in 65% of the ocular trauma group. In the ocular trauma group, injuries were open globe injury in 78%, closed globe injury in 12%, and intraocular foreign body in 10%. Retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy was present in 39% of patients in the non-trauma group and in 35% of the ocular trauma group. Improvement or stability of visual acuity was higher among ocular trauma patients (86%) than in non-trauma patients (78%). The rate of clear corneal grafts was 49% in both groups. Retinal attachment was achieved in 90% and 78% of patients in the non-trauma and ocular trauma groups, respectively. The use of retinotomy had a positive influence on the final attached retina (p = 0.016). The placement of a scleral buckle significantly increased the risk of glaucoma (p = 0.004). Poor functional outcome was related to persistent retinal detachment (10% versus 16% in the non-trauma and ocular trauma groups, respectively), phthisis (25% versus 12%), hypotony (33% versus 18%), corneal graft end failure (51% in both groups), and secondary glaucoma (18% versus 24%).

CONCLUSION

In patients with both vitreoretinal and corneal pathology, the use of Eckardt temporary keratoprosthesis combined with vitreoretinal surgery and penetrating keratoplasty resulted in improvement of visual acuity, particularly in the groups of ocular trauma and monocular patients. The high rate of retinal reattachment and the low rate of graft rejection was probably related to the use of new vitreoretinal techniques, including retinotomy in selected patients.

Evaluation of an interlaced triple procedure: penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction, and nonopen-sky intraocular lens implantation

To evaluate an interlaced triple procedure that involved penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) using diathermy capsulotomy, and nonopen-sky intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.This retrospective study involved data from 34 patients who were diagnosed with severe corneal opacities and cataracts. These patients were divided into an interlaced procedure group (21 patients) and a traditional procedure group (13 patients). In the interlaced group, the method of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was completed via diathermy capsulotomy. The donor corneal button was sutured at 8 positions (at equal intervals) using 10-0 nylon sutures, and the IOL was inserted into the capsular bag using a closed anterior chamber approach at the 10:30 to 12 o'clock positions between the sutures. In the traditional group, CCC was completed using side-port capsular forceps, and the IOL was implanted using an open anterior chamber approach.In the interlaced group, the CCC, open-sky, and total operation times were significantly shorter than in the traditional group (P < .05). Neither the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) nor corneal endothelial cell density was significantly different between the groups at 1 and 6 months after the operation.This interlaced triple procedure for the treatment of corneal diseases with cataracts appears to be feasible and practical.

Stabilized triple procedure for management of coexisting corneal opacity and cataract

We describe a surgical technique combining penetrating keratoplasty and cataract surgery with a secure anterior chamber to manage coexisting corneal opacity and cataract. Lamellar corneal dissection is performed to 80% of the corneal depth to provide sufficient visibility for cataract surgery. Manual small-incision cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation is performed through a frown-shaped scleral tunnel. Subsequently, 4 small penetrating incisions are made along the edge of the trephination mark at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions. A graft is placed on the ophthalmic viscosurgical device-coated stromal bed, and the 4 penetration sites are sutured. The stromal bed is cut along the trephination groove, the graft is sutured quadrant by quadrant, and the stromal bed is drawn out of the anterior chamber. The surgery is completed with 16 sutures.

Cataract surgery in patients with corneal disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Preexisting corneal disease can be exacerbated by cataract surgery and may prevent well tolerated cataract extraction. This article reviews the current literature and describes how corneal epithelial, stromal and endothelial disease may impact and be impacted by cataract surgery while highlighting recommendations for perioperative management and surgical technique.

RECENT FINDINGS

Modifications to surgical techniques can allow for improved intraoperative visualization and safer cataract removal. Cataract surgery can be safely performed in conjunction with newer forms of corneal transplantation such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and endothelial keratoplasty; however, guidelines for when to perform combined surgery have not been established.

SUMMARY

Appropriate perioperative management and advances in surgical techniques and technologies allow for successful cataract surgery in patients with corneal disease. Signs of corneal disease should be identified preoperatively to allow for surgical planning and optimal visual outcomes.

Combined surgery with deep lamellar keratoplasty

The opportunity to perform two or more ophthalmic operations simultaneously has increased in recent years. In keratoplasty too, the simultaneous operation consisting of cataract extraction and IOL insertion (triple procedure) has become common. Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and planned extracapsular cataract extraction (PECCE) or vitrectomy is today often done simultaneously. However, phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA) or 3 ports vitrectomy has to be performed on patients with corneal opacity due to some corneal diseases. In such cases, we performed the PEA or vitrectomy coupled with deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK), successfully applied to closed eye surgery with corneal opacity. Simultaneous surgery using DLK, free of postoperative endothelial type of rejection, and PEA, enabling cataract extraction by a small incision, is a surgical technique making use of the advantage of the two types of operation. We performed the DLK + PEA + IOL on 17 cases. In the other hand, simultaneous surgery consisting of DLK and vitrectomy may be taken into consideration. The use of DLK will make it possible to perform surgery on urgent vitreoretinal diseases with corneal opacity and cataract. We performed the DLK + 3 ports vitrectomy on 3 cases. The current study describes the advantages and disadvantages of these types of operation.

Cataract surgery with the AlphaCor artificial cornea

PURPOSE

To review the outcomes of AlphaCor artificial cornea (Argus Biomedical Pty Ltd.) implantation concurrent with or subsequent to cataract surgery.

SETTING

Nonrandomized multicenter clinical trial.

METHODS

AlphaCor devices were implanted under an approved protocol. Extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation was concurrently performed in 5 cases; an additional case had a displaced cataractous lens removed after severe blunt trauma subsequent to AlphaCor implantation.

RESULTS

Cataract surgery was difficult because the view was restricted and residual soft lens matter was retained. There was an increased incidence of postoperative complications (eg, melt, glaucoma) in cataract cases compared with noncataract AlphaCor cases. The mean best corrected visual acuity was worse in cases with cataract than in cases without.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique for cataract surgery in AlphaCor cases needs to be refined. Imaging studies performed postoperatively may help ascertain whether soft lens matter remains so additional antiinflammatory medication can be considered. Melting appears to be preventable by topical medroxyprogesterone 1% therapy.

Temporary graft for closed-system cataract surgery during corneal triple procedures

Performing phacoemulsification during a triple corneal procedure has many advantages. Operating in a closed chamber makes surgery easier and safer. In some cases, however, a dense corneal opacity may prevent closed-chamber surgery, necessitating the use of an open-sky technique. In these cases, a temporary corneal graft using a corneal button not suitable for penetrating keratoplasty is proposed to allow phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation through a corneal tunnel. The temporary corneal graft is replaced with a permanent graft after these steps are completed. This technique was effective in 3 patients with cataract and dense corneal opacity.

Closed-chamber capsulorhexis for cataract extraction combined with penetrating keratoplasty

We describe a modified closed-chamber capsulorhexis technique that facilitates cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion combined with penetrating keratoplasty. This technique eliminates most of the risks associated with can-opener capsulotomies, offers the benefits of capsulorhexis, and enhances the safety of the triple procedure.

Temporary keratoprosthesis for transscleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses with penetrating keratoplasty

In the absence of zonular and capsular support, cataract surgeons increasingly prefer suture-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) to angle-supported anterior chamber lenses as a secondary IOL. Various suturing techniques have been proposed for fixating the posterior chamber IOL. Transscleral suture fixation appears advantageous but problematic when performed on an open globe. Moreover, excision of the vitreous base is impeded by the iris and the dark, unstable image. This article describes a technique that takes advantage of a temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP). When sutured onto the trephination opening, the TKP provides a bright, stable image and permits peripheral indentation of the globe, allowing for controlled, thorough vitrectomy. With the infusion pressure supplying adequate eye tone, ab externo transfixation, and thus a targeted passage of the sulcus, is possible. If the cornea permits transfixation, TKP may be used to tamponade after trephination and as a lens rest while the surgeon ties the sutures to the haptics.

Intraocular pressure following small-incision cataract surgery and polyHEMA posterior chamber lens implantation. A comparison between acetylcholine and carbachol

Ninety patients who had phacoemulsification and implantation of a flexible polyHEMA intraocular lens (IOGEL 1103) were assigned to three groups. After evacuation of sodium hyaluronate retrolentally from the capsular bag, 0.5 ml of 1% acetylcholine chloride, 0.01% carbachol, or balanced salt solution was instilled into the anterior chamber following wound closure. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured the day before, and six hours, 18 hours, and one week postoperatively. No topical or systemic antiglaucomatous drug was given during the study period. Preoperatively and one week postoperatively there was no significant difference between the three groups (P greater than .01). At six hours postoperatively the mean IOP decreased in the carbachol group (-2.8 mm Hg) and increased in the acetylcholine and control groups (+0.6 mm Hg and +/- 4.7 mm Hg) when compared with baseline pressures. At 18 hours the mean change from baseline was -3.0 mm Hg in the carbachol group, +0.8 mm Hg in the acetylcholine group, and +2.3 mm Hg in the control group. At six hours IOP exceeding 22 mm Hg was observed in ten of the control patients (30%) receiving balanced salt solution intracamerally and four of the acetylcholine patients (13.3%) but none of the carbachol patients. At 18 hours IOP remained above 22 mm Hg in three of the acetylcholine patients (10%) and four of the control patients (13.3%). Only one of the carbachol patients developed an increase of IOP up to 26 mm Hg at 18 hours. Removal of viscoelastic substances from behind the IOL reduced the incidence of pressure spikes in the early postoperative period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of 200 consecutive IOGEL 1103 capsular-bag lenses implanted through a small incision

We evaluated 200 consecutive IOGEL 1103 capsular bag intraocular lenses. We performed a 5 to 6 mm capsulorhexis and inserted the intraocular lens (IOL) through a 3.5 to 4.0 mm scleral tunnel with a Faulkner folder. Twenty-two cases were combined with trabeculectomy and ten with keratoplasty using a temporary keratoprosthesis. Mean follow-up was six months. The implant centered well and resisted capsular shrinkage. Iris touch to the optic was rare and did not provoke persistent pigment dispersion. In one third of the cases a cleft was discernible between the posterior convex IOL surface and the extended capsule despite thorough aspiration of viscoelastic and debris from the retrolental space. In 8% of cases, white flakes of unknown origin were observed at the IOL-capsule interface. In cases associated with pre-existing iritis or intraoperative iris trauma (iris manipulation, iridectomy, or synechiolysis in glaucoma patients), fibrin exudation as well as iridocapsular synechial formation and macrophage precipitation often ensued. Cellular precipitates, as evaluated by biomicroscopy and specular microscopy, were less pronounced and more transient than on poly(methyl methacrylate) IOLs. Best case visual acuity results were comparable to those with conventional implants; all eyes attained 20/40 or better and 97% achieved 20/25 or better. The 1103 was easier to implant through a capsulorhexis opening and suited the dimensions of the capsular bag better than the PC-12 model.