Abstract
Purpose :
Purpose: The goal of this study is to compare early postoperative endothelial cell loss (ECL), rebubble rate, and primary graft failure (PGF) rate for pre-loaded DMEK surgeries using a new Straiko Jones tube that has a 2.4mm opening versus surgeries performed with the standard Straiko-modified Jones tube.
Methods :
Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive pre-loaded DMEK surgeries using the micro-tip or standard injector from 3/2017-11/2023 was conducted. Re-bubble procedures for graft detachment, primary graft failures, and 3-6-month ECL were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using a Student’s t-test or Chi-square test.
Results :
Results: Sixty-six surgeries were performed using the micro-tip injector and 1076 surgeries for the standard injector. Three-month ECL for the micro-tip group was 26.9%±12.0% (n=37) and 26.3%±16.8% (n=666) in the standard group, P=0.82. Six-month ECL for the micro-tip group was 30.7%±17.0% (n=23) and 28.5%±16.7% (n=772) in the standard group, P=0.53. The re-bubble rate was 4.8% (3/67 eyes) and 12.6% (136/1076 eyes) in the micro-tip and standard group, respectively, P=0.051. PGF rate was 1.5% (1/67 eyes) and 1.6% (17/1076 eyes) in the micro-tip group and standard group, respectively, P=0.97.
Conclusions :
Conclusion: The micro-tip injector had similar results compared to our standard Straiko-modified Jones tube. There was no statistical difference in ECL, re-bubble rate, or PGF rate. Although there are a much smaller number of surgeries performed using the micro-tip injector, the early data shows that it is as safe and effective as the standard Straiko-modified Jones tube.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.