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Novel technique makes implantation of the endothelial graft easier, safer
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ROME — A novel technique called sickle Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty makes implantation of the endothelial graft easier and allows perfect graft adhesion, according to a speaker here.
In this technique, a small portion of stroma, crescent-shaped and extending around approximately half the circumference of the lamella, is left when cutting the donor graft, Massimo Busin, MD, said here at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting.
"This portion of stroma allows the surgeon to manipulate the graft without damaging the lenticule. Forceps can be used to remove it and place it in the glide - the Busin glide, which will be used for insertion into the recipient eye. Also, thanks to this portion of stroma, the graft is not flimsy and doesn't fold on itself. Once the glide has made it slip into the eye, it unrolls easily and falls flat and well stretched into place," Dr. Busin said.
He previously tried another technique in which a rim of stroma was left around the entire circumference of the endothelial lenticule. However, the difference in thickness between the Descemet's and the stromal rim prevented the membrane from attaching to the posterior corneal surface.