Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the feasibility of a new insertion system that is able to atraumatically insert an 8.5 mm stromal endothelial graft into the anterior chamber through a 3 mm incision.
Methods: :
A new fabricated device was designed to insert an 8.5 mm stromal endothelial graft through a 3 mm incision. This device was used in combination with a suture pull through technique without folding the graft or touching the corneal endothelium. This device was tested using 3 human donor corneas and 3 whole cadaveric eyes that were not suitable for transplantation. Following this procedure, the graft tissue was stained with Trypan blue to indicate endothelial damage.
Results: :
The insertion device allowed us to successfully insert an 8.5 mm stromal endothelial graft into the anterior chamber of the cadaveric human eyes through a 3 mm incision. All 3 grafts indicated minimal to no Trypan blue staining of the endothelium following this procedure.
Conclusions: :
A new fabricated device is practical for atraumatic insertion of stromal endothelial grafts into the anterior chamber for Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.
Keywords: transplantation • cornea: endothelium