Split donor tissue can be stored for one week

Split donor tissues can be stored for up to one week before DALK and DMEK surgery, according to a paper published in the journal Ophthalmology.

Dr L. M. Heindl et al., Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, completed a retrospective analysis of a non-randomized consecutive interventonal case series. The study included a total of 220 eyes-110 eyes with anterior stromal disease suitable for DALK and 110 eyes with endothelial disease qualifying for DMEK.

The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), endothelial cell density and complications rate within 12 months of follow-up. Spearman correlation coefficient and a Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyse the correlation between split donor storage times, total storages times and one-year functional morphologic outcomes.

One year after DALK the mean BSCVA was 20/30, endothelial cell loss was 8% and the complication rate was 18%. The complications included Descemet’s folds, epitheliopathy and loose sutures.

One year after DMEK mean BSCVA was 20/25, endothelial cell loss was 41% and the complication rate was 62%. The complication occurring after DMEK was partial graft detachment.

It is possible for anterior and posterior donor tissue to be stored for up to one week in organ culture before use in surgical procedures. This means the feasibility of split cornea transplantation is simplified because donor shortage and cost will decrease.

To read the paper please visit this link.