A new device and method for endothelial graft preparation in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): a preliminary feasibility and technical evaluation

Abstract

Background: This study compares the preparation time and the macroscopic integrity of Descemet membrane and endothelium keratoplasty (DMEK) grafts prepared using the modified submerged cornea using backgrounds away (SCUBA) technique compared to those prepared with a newly developed artificial chamber device specifically designed for DMEK preparation.

Research design and methods: This is a prospective, comparative, randomized, and experimental study. Fifty corneas from 25 donors were used. The inclusion criteria were that both eyes were of the same donor, a scleral ring greater than 3 mm, and corneas unsuitable for clinical use. Preparation time and macroscopic tissue integrity were evaluated at the end of preparation.

Results: The mean preparation time for both techniques was six minutes (p=0.2). The macroscopic integrity of the graft was similar between the inverted artificial chamber device and the modified SCUBA technique (p=1.00).

Conclusions: The upside-down artificial chamber operating with the upside-down cornea proved reproducible and macroscopically suitable for endothelial graft preparation for the DMEK technique.