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Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: September 17, 2014
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)
Gerrit R J Melles1, T San Ong, Bob Ververs
1Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. melles@niioc.nl
Cornea
|November 15, 2006
Summary
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) using organ-cultured donor tissue demonstrated successful positioning and rapid visual recovery in a human eye model and a patient. This technique offers a promising, accessible option for treating corneal endothelial disorders.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Corneal endothelial disorders impair vision.
- Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a surgical option.
- Organ-cultured donor tissue offers potential for DMEK.
Observation:
- A 3.5-mm clear corneal tunnel incision was used in 10 cadaver eyes and 1 patient eye.
- Donor Descemet membrane (DM) rolls were prepared from organ-cultured corneo-scleral rims.
- The DM roll was inserted and secured with a 30-minute air fill.
Findings:
- Donor DM maintained position in all eyes post-procedure.
- The patient achieved 1.0 (20/20) best-corrected visual acuity one week post-transplant.
- Average endothelial cell density was 2350 cells/mm².
Implications:
- DMEK with organ-cultured DM facilitates rapid visual rehabilitation.
- The procedure is accessible to corneal surgeons.
- Donor DM sheets can be prepared from preserved corneo-scleral rims.
