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Microbiological Testing of Split-Cornea Transplantation
Anne Tillmann1, Katja Rosenbaum1, Gerd Geerling1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Purpose:
By splitting a donor cornea into an anterior and a posterior donor lamella, the need for donor tissue can be reduced in times of lack of donors. Current eye bank regulations limit the use of each donor cornea to one recipient.
Methods:
The anterior lamella not applied to the patient after each sterile DMEK preparation performed was stored for one week and was microbiologically controlled on day 7.
Results:
Between October 2020 and December 2021, microbiological controls of 108 consecutive anterior lamellae were performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Duesseldorf, without any contamination found.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest split-cornea transplantation is a microbiologically safe procedure.
Insights
Splitting donor corneas for transplantation can help address donor shortages. Microbiological testing confirmed that using anterior lamellae after storage is a safe procedure for patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Donor cornea scarcity poses a significant challenge in eye banking.
- Current regulations restrict each donor cornea to a single recipient, limiting tissue availability.
- Corneal transplantation, particularly Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), relies heavily on donor tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the microbiological safety of using anterior donor lamellae for split-cornea transplantation.
- To assess the feasibility of reducing donor tissue demand by utilizing both anterior and posterior lamellae from a single donor cornea.
- To challenge existing eye bank regulations that limit cornea utilization.
Main Methods:
- Anterior lamellae, not used in sterile DMEK procedures, were stored for one week.
- Microbiological cultures were performed on stored anterior lamellae on day 7 post-storage.
- 108 consecutive anterior lamellae underwent microbiological assessment between October 2020 and December 2021.
Main Results:
- No microbial contamination was detected in any of the 108 anterior lamellae tested.
- The microbiological controls performed at the University of Duesseldorf showed zero contamination.
- This indicates a high safety profile for stored anterior lamellae.
Conclusions:
- Split-cornea transplantation, utilizing anterior lamellae after a storage period, is microbiologically safe.
- This approach offers a viable strategy to mitigate donor cornea shortages.
- The findings support a re-evaluation of current eye bank regulations regarding cornea utilization.
