Comparison of Busin glide insertion technique vs. a direct needle insertion technique in Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Abstract

Purpose: : To report the visual outcome parameters including endothelial cell densities between Busin glide insertion technique vs. direct needle insertion technique for inserting the donor corneal lenticule in Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods: : Retrospective case series review. We compared the records of fifteen patients having undergone the direct needle insertion technique vs. 40 patients having undergone Busin glide insertion technique in DSAEK surgery over the past 18-months. Outcome measures of pre/postoperative visual acuity, endothelial cell density (ECD), refractive error and complication events will be reported.

Results: : Preliminary results indicate mean ECD loss of 18% at one year following the needle insertion tecnique and 22% for the Busin glide technique. Mean pre-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in both groups improved from 2.0+/-1.0LogMAR to postoperative mean BCVA 0.30+/-0.10LogMAR. Final statistical results will be presented.

Conclusions: : In comparing between Busin glide insertion technique with the direct needle insertion technique in DSAEK, the one year ECD loss is comparable and these results are similar to the other previously reported DSAEK insertion techniques. The direct needle insertion technique is simple, cost-effective and fast.

Keywords: cornea: clinical science • cornea: endothelium • cornea: stroma and keratocytes