Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: September 17, 2014
Rescue technique for a partially expulsed descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft
Michele D Lee1, Lisa Y Chen1, Charles C Lin1
1Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Purpose:
To describe a novel surgical technique to rescue a partially expulsed DMEK graft after insertion.
Observations:
We present a case of a 66-year-old woman with visually significant Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent a DMEK surgery complicated by partial expulsion of the DMEK graft during insertion. To rescue the graft, MicroSurgical Technology (MST) forceps were inserted through a nasal paracentesis to grasp the DMEK graft and redirect it back into the anterior chamber. The surgical technique and postoperative outcomes are described. The partially expulsed graft was centered and attached successfully during surgery. Postoperatively, the patient required two rebubbling procedures, but achieved best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 vision 1 month after surgery.
Conclusions:
and Importance: We describe an underreported complication and present a novel rescue technique for a partially expulsed DMEK graft that is effective and minimizes manipulation of the graft.
Related Concept Videos
Partial Fractions
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
Mixtures of Gases: Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures and Mole Fractions
Dalton's Law of Partial Pressure
Dosage Regimens: Partial Pharmacokinetic Parameters
Integration of Rational Functions Using Partial Fractions

