Plastic fantastic

As always, there is a steep learning curve when dealing with new technologies but it is clear that outcomes with AlphaCor are continuing to improve

How is it implanted?

The 'standard' procedure, developed during clinical trials, involves an extensive half-thickness incision 1.5 mm posterior to the limbus, through 180°, extended to create a central lamellar corneal pocket of 7.5 mm diameter open to the superior limbus. This allows access for a sharp skin biopsy punch, initially 3.0 mm, now generally 3.5 mm in diameter, used to enter the anterior chamber. The large incision is required to allow access for the trephine, but has disadvantages including significant peri-limbal disturbance, dissection over the old PK wound and a need to place a mattress suture to appose the lamellae adjacent to the device's upper edge, to prevent migration, prior to closing the scleral wound.

Trial & error

About two years ago there was a trend towards trying to reduce the incision length by using a 'low profile trephine' that obviated the need for a wide exposure to allow posterior stromal trephination. After extensive evaluation, it was found that the technique was often technically difficult, with the prototype trephines insufficiently sharp and scissors required to complete the posterior opening. This method is not currently used.

Lessons learned

There has been some interest in using femtosecond lasers to create the lamellar pocket dissection and entry wound. Evidence is currently limited but there are further studies planned which hope to clarify the benefits of its use.

Related Videos
Trukera Medical rebranding ushers in new era of expansion into cornea market
Younger patients often require repeat corneal crosslinking, study finds
Utilising AAO cornea preferred practice patterns for corneal oedema, opacifications, ectasia and bacterial keratits
Investigating the effects of canaloplasty on corneal epithelium
Avoiding errors when converting to DMEK
EDOF lens tech is evolving to help more patients with intermediate vision
OC-01 (varenicline solution) investigated as possible treatment for dry eye symptoms, signs
Ill-timed corneal crosslinking led to permanent changes in corneal structure in patients with keratoconus
Investigating efficacy of OC-02 to stimulate the trigeminal nerve for the treatment of dry eyes
Corneal cross-linking and epithelial management: four pearls for success
Related Content
© 2023 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.