Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:37
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: June 12, 2012
Predictability of microkeratome-dependent flap thickness for DSAEK
M A Thiel1, C Kaufmann, W Dedes
1Department of Ophthalmology, Lucerne Kantonal Hospital, Lucern, Switzerland. michael.thiel@ksl.ch
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|April 23, 2009
Summary
This study found that Descemet
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) requires graft lamella thickness between 120-180 microm.
- Donor cornea central corneal thickness (CCT) varies significantly, necessitating adjustable microkeratome plates.
- Microkeratome plate selection aims to achieve precise lamella thickness for DSAEK procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictability of lamella thickness using different microkeratome plates in DSAEK.
- To assess the accuracy of cutting depth achieved by various keratome plate heights in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 60 consecutive DSAEK procedures.
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) measured pre- and post-lamella creation using ultrasound pachymetry.
- Microkeratome plates of 300, 350, and 400 microm used; cutting depth calculated based on CCT changes.
Main Results:
- Mean cutting depths varied by keratome plate: Amadeus 350 (320±45 µm), Moria 300 (317±48 µm), Moria 350 (388±58 µm), Moria 400 (467±94 µm).
- Donor preservation methods and duration did not impact cutting depth accuracy.
- DSAEK keratome cutting depth showed higher accuracy compared to LASIK keratome heads.
Conclusions:
- DSAEK keratome mean cutting depth is more accurate than LASIK keratome heads, potentially due to complete epithelial removal.
- Significant variation exists between individual lamella cuts despite accurate mean cutting depth.
- Clinical consideration of individual cut variability is essential for DSAEK graft preparation.
