Novel Liquid Interface for Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Penetrating Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To introduce a methodical description and to investigate first clinical safety of a novel liquid interface technology for femtosecond laser-assisted perforating keratoplasty, maintaining the corneal curvature without applanation of the cornea.

METHODS

In this pilot study six patients received a femtosecond laser keratoplasty using a new liquid interface providing a non-applanating trephination. Clinical outcomes were evaluated 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

All procedures were performed without complications and donor and recipient corneas could be aligned without problems, even in cases of advanced keratoconus. Although this initial pilot study investigated clinical safety, a positive effect on postoperative astigmatism was observed.

CONCLUSION

We could show in this first pilot study that a hand-held liquid patient interface in combination with a femtosecond laser has a preliminary safety and reliability in penetrating keratoplasty.