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Wojcik G, Parekh M, Romano V, Ruzza A, Scorcia V, Viola P, Leon P, Franch A, Gadhvi KA, Ponzin D, Ferrari S. Preloaded DMEK With Endothelium Outward: A Multicenter Clinical Study Using DMEK Rapid Device. Cornea 2024; 43:38-44. [PMID: 36961426 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study is to validate Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) Rapid device for preloading DMEK grafts with endothelium outward. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective clinical study, DMEK tissues (n = 27) were peeled and preloaded (8.25 mm) in a DMEK Rapid device. The device was loaded in a container prefilled with the storage solution and shipped from a single center in Italy to 4 different centers located in Italy and the United Kingdom. Preloaded tissues were delivered by injecting the graft in the anterior chamber. Patients were monitored at days 1 and 15 and at months 1, 3, and 6, as well as at the last follow-up (9-12 months) postoperatively. Main outcome measures included rebubbling rate and graft failure, corrected distance visual acuity, endothelial cell loss (ECL), and central corneal thickness at all time points. A one-way analysis of variance test comparing day 1 with all later time points was followed with significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS The average recorded surgical time was 6 to 25 minutes with no immediate surgical complications. Rebubbling was observed in 7 of 26 cases with one graft failure within 15 days postoperatively. The mean corrected distance visual acuity at day 1 was 0.64 ± 0.49 logMAR, which improved to 0.18 ± 0.43 logMAR at the last follow-up. Endothelial cell density values showed a significant decrease at the last follow-up (1827 ± 565 cells/mm 2 ) ( P < 0.001) compared with the preoperative value (2503 ± 128 cells/mm 2 ), with an average endothelial cell loss of 27%. Central corneal thickness significantly dropped from 694 ± 157 μm at day 1 to 502 ± 42 μm at the last follow-up ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS DMEK Rapid device is quick, easy, and efficient for preloading and shipping DMEK grafts internationally in endothelium-outward orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Wojcik
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Vito Romano
- Clinical Eye Research Centre, St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruzza
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pietro Viola
- The Ophthalmology Operational Unit, Structural Department Specialist Surgery Vicenza, San Bortolo Hospital Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy; and
| | - Pia Leon
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy
| | - Antonella Franch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy
| | - Kunal A Gadhvi
- Clinical Eye Research Centre, St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
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Schrittenlocher S, Matthaei M, Rokohl AC, Franklin J, Bachmann B, Cursiefen C. Influence of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft Preparation Patterns on Postoperative Clinical Outcome. Cornea 2023; 42:940-945. [PMID: 36730372 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to quantify preparation difficulties and complications during DMEK graft preparation and their influence on clinical outcome. METHODS A retrospective evaluation of 214 consecutive DMEK surgeries from the prospective Cologne DMEK database was performed between July 2018 and December 2019. Preparation conditions (such as central and peripheral adherences, tissue fragility, and Descemet membrane splitting) were quantified and divided into 3 groups: easy, difficult, and very difficult preparation. At follow-up (3, 6, and 12 months after DMEK), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell count (ECC), and rebubbling rates were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS An easy preparation was possible in 41.6% of cases (group 1, n = 89), a difficult preparation of the DMEK graft occurred in 30.8% (group 2, n = 66), and a very difficult preparation occurred in 27.6% (group 3, n = 59). There was no difference between groups for best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 3, 6, and 12 months ( P = 0.179, P = 0.325, and P = 0.682, respectively) or for ECC at 3 and 6 months ( P = 0.537 and P = 0.606, respectively). Only at 12 months, the ECC was slightly significant between groups ( P = 0.045). Regarding the rebubbling rate, there was no difference ( P = 0.585). 17.9% of eyes from group 1, 25.7% of eyes from group 2, and 23.7% of eyes from group 3 received at least 1 rebubbling. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that difficult preparation conditions do not lead to any worsening of visual acuity or rebubbling rate in the 1-year outcome after DMEK. The endothelial cell density at 12 months showed slightly poorer results in the cases of very difficult preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Matthaei
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander C Rokohl
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Jeremy Franklin
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), University of Cologne, Germany; and
| | - Björn Bachmann
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Moramarco A, di Geronimo N, Airaldi M, Gardini L, Semeraro F, Iannetta D, Romano V, Fontana L. Intraoperative OCT for Lamellar Corneal Surgery: A User Guide. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093048. [PMID: 37176489 PMCID: PMC10179477 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraoperative OCT is an innovative and promising technology which allows anterior and posterior segment ocular surgeons to obtain a near-histologic cross-sectional and tomographic image of the tissues. Intraoperative OCT has several applications in ocular surgery which are particularly interesting in the context of corneal transplantation. Indeed, iOCT images provide a direct and meticulous visualization of the anatomy, which could guide surgical decisions. In particular, during both big-bubble and manual DALK, the visualization of the relationship between the corneal layers and instruments allows the surgeon to obtain a more desirable depth of the trephination, thus achieving more type 1 bubbles, better regularity of the plane, and a reduced risk of DM perforation. During EK procedures, iOCT supplies information about proper descemetorhexis, graft orientation, and interface quality in order to optimize the postoperative adhesion and reduce the need for re-bubbling. Finally, mushroom PK, a challenging technique for many surgeons, can be aided through the use of iOCT since it guides the correct apposition of the lamellae and their centration. The technology of iOCT is still evolving: a larger field of view could allow for the visualization of all surgical fields, and automated tracking and iOCT autofocusing guarantee the continued centration of the image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Moramarco
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Natalie di Geronimo
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Airaldi
- Eye Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Eye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 15, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gardini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Semeraro
- Eye Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Eye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 15, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Danilo Iannetta
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Eye Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Eye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 15, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Fontana
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Effect of Low-Temperature Preservation in Optisol-GS on Preloaded, Endothelium-Out DMEK Grafts. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031026. [PMID: 36769674 PMCID: PMC9917566 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess different temperature ranges for the preservation of pre-loaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) grafts in the DMEK RAPID Mini device. METHODS Three groups of 15 DMEK grafts (five per group) were pre-loaded in the DMEK RAPID Mini and preserved in Optisol-GS for 72 h at different temperatures: group A at >8 °C, group B between 2-8 °C and group C at <2 °C. After stripping and preservation, the viability of the endothelium, cell loss and morphology were assessed through light microscopy following trypan blue and alizarin red staining. RESULTS Overall mortality was 4.07%, 3.97% and 7.66%, in groups A, B and C, respectively, with percentages of uncovered areas of 0.31%, 1.36% and 0.20% (all p > 0.05). Endothelial cell density variation was 5.51%, 3.06% and 2.82% in groups A, B and C, respectively (p = 0.19). Total Endothelial Cell Loss (ECL) was 4.37%, 5.32% and 7.84% in groups A, B and C, respectively (p = 0.39). Endothelial cell morphology was comparable in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS In the DMEK RAPID Mini, low temperatures (<2 °C) may affect the quality of pre-loaded grafts, inducing a higher ECL after 72 h of preservation, although no significant differences among groups could be proved. Our data would suggest maintaining grafts loaded in the DMEK RAPID Mini at temperatures between 2-8 °C for appropriate preservation.
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Clinical Outcomes of Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty With Endothelium Inward: A 24-Month Comparative Analysis Between Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy and Bullous Keratopathy. Cornea 2022:00003226-990000000-00121. [PMID: 36538420 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes of preloaded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) between Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and bullous keratopathy (BK). METHODS In this single-center retrospective clinical case series, 71 eyes of 64 patients indicated with FECD (62%) or BK (38%) (with or without cataract) were treated with preloaded DMEK grafts between March 2018 and February 2020. Standard DMEK peeling, followed by manual folding of the tissue with endothelium-inward orientation and storing in a preloaded fashion inside a 2.2-mm intraocular lens cartridge. All tissues were delivered using a bimanual pull-through technique, followed by air tamponade. Graft unfolding time, endothelial cell loss, corrected distance visual acuity, central corneal thickness, rebubbling rate, and intraoperative and postoperative complications at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were recorded. RESULTS The mean intraoperative graft unfolding time in FECD did not differ from the BK group ( P = 0.6061). Cystoid macular edema did not differ in either group ( P = 0.6866). The rebubbling rate was found to be significantly higher in FECD compared with the BK group ( P = 0.0423). Corrected distance visual acuity significantly improved at the first month after surgery ( P = 0.0012), with no differences between FECD and BK at 24 months ( P = 0.2578). Central corneal thickness was stable postoperatively and showed no differences between the groups ( P = 0.3693). Significantly higher endothelial cell counts were observed in the FECD group at 24 months ( P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Preloaded DMEK with "endothelium-in" offers acceptable intraoperative time, rebubbling rate, and clinical outcomes in both FECD and BK groups. Patients with FECD show better postoperative clinical outcomes even if the rebubbling rate is relatively high.
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Parekh M, Pedrotti E, Viola P, Leon P, Neri E, Bosio L, Bonacci E, Ruzza A, Kaye SB, Ponzin D, Ferrari S, Romano V. Factors Affecting the Success Rate of Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty With Endothelium-Inward Technique: A Multicenter Clinical Study. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 241:272-281. [PMID: 35288072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate factors affecting the outcomes of preloaded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (pl-DMEK) with endothelium-inward. DESIGN Retrospective clinical case series and a comparative tissue preparation study. METHODS Participants: Fifty-five donor tissues for ex vivo study and 147 eyes of 147 patients indicated with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy with or without cataract. INTERVENTION Standardized DMEK peeling was performed with 9.5-mm-diameter trephination followed by second trephination for loading the graft (8.0-9.5 mm diameter). The tissues were manually preloaded with endothelium-inward and preserved for 4 days or shipped for transplantation. Live and dead assay and immunostaining was performed on ex vivo tissues. For the clinical study, the tissues were delivered using bimanual pull-through technique followed by air tamponade at all the centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Tissue characteristics, donor and recipient factors, rebubbling rate, endothelial cell loss (ECL), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS At day 4, significant cell loss (P = .04) was observed in pl-DMEK with loss of biomarker expression seen in prestripped and pl-DMEK tissues. Rebubbling was observed in 40.24% cases. Average ECL at 3, 6, and 12 months was 45.87%, 40.98%, and 47.54%, respectively. CDVA improved significantly at 3 months postoperation (0.23 ± 0.37 logMAR) (P < .01) compared to the baseline (0.79 ± 0.61 logMAR). A significant association (P < .05) between graft diameter, preservation time, recipient gender, gender mismatch, and recipient age to rebubbling rate was observed. CONCLUSION Graft loading to delivery time of pl-DMEK tissues in endothelium-inward fashion must be limited to 4 days after processing. Rebubbling rate and overall surgical outcomes following preloaded DMEK can be multifactorial and center-specific.
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