Novel Technique for Rebubbling DMEK Grafts at the Slit Lamp Using Intravenous Extension Tubing

To describe a novel technique for rebubbling DMEK grafts at the slit lamp using a cannula coupled to a syringe with intravenous (IV) extension tubing.

We present a retrospective case series of eyes that underwent rebubbling using a novel technique at the slit lamp. The rebubbling apparatus is assembled using a standard 43-inch IV extension tube, a 5-cc luer lock syringe, and a 27-gauge cannula. The cannula is screwed onto one end of the extension tubing, and a 5-cc syringe that has been filled with air is screwed onto the opposite end. With the patient seated at the slit lamp, the cannula is positioned in the anterior chamber by the surgeon with one hand while the other hand operates the syringe and the joystick.

We performed 5 rebubbling procedures at the slit lamp using a standard syringe and cannula. Despite suboptimal ergonomics with this approach, all of these cases achieved sufficient air fills without any complications. Four rebubbling procedures were subsequently performed at the slit lamp using our novel rebubbling technique. All of these cases also attained sufficient air fills without complications, but they were noted to be much easier to perform by the surgeon.

Using IV extension tubing to couple a syringe to a cannula for rebubbling DMEK grafts at the slit lamp is ergonomically superior to the conventional alternative of using a standard cannula on a syringe. The technique is also simple and inexpensive to adopt.