Development of a new superficial punch for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty donor tissue preparation.

Abstract

Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) is a corneal surgical procedure that allows a selective transplantation of the posterior layer of the cornea. Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is one of the EK procedures in which the diseased Descemet's Membrane and the endothelium are replaced with a healthy donor tissue. To achieve this, the donor cornea is cut superficially from the endothelial side and the tissue can be separated using specific instruments like Pierse Notched, Acute or Fogla forceps. However, the pressure required to punch the superficial layer has always been a challenge and therefore a calibrated device to punch and excise the required superficial layer has been designed. This new model of punch will help to identify the peripheral edge of the DMEK lenticule which in turn helps to excise the tissue exclusively, further reducing the donor tissue wastage, as seen with the current tissue preparation methods.