Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications of Preloaded, Trifolded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Using the DMEK EndoGlide.

PURPOSE: To describe 2 insertion techniques, outcomes, and complications of preloaded, trifolded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) cases using the DMEK EndoGlide inserter.

METHODS

This retrospective, consecutive case series analyzed the first 35 cases using the DMEK EndoGlide performed between October 2018 and October 2019 at a single center. Preloaded, trifolded DMEK tissues were delivered through a fluid-injected or pull-through technique. To inject the tissue, a burst of fluid was delivered into the lumen of the injector with a second instrument. Postoperatively, best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), pachymetry, graft survival, and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five eyes of 29 patients underwent DMEK alone (n = 11), with cataract surgery (n = 21), or with additional surgeries (n = 3). Of these, 19 (54.3%) grafts were injected. Video analysis revealed a median time of 3.5 minutes from graft insertion to opening for gas insertion. Median preoperative BSCVA of 0.398 logMAR improved to 0.097 logMAR (P = 0.02) at 9 months. Median pachymetry decreased from 619 μm to 551 μm (P = 0.03) at 9 months. Median donor endothelial cell count of 2890.5 cells/mm2 reduced to 2123 cells/mm2 (26.6% endothelial cell loss; P = 0.008) 6 months postoperatively. One (2.9%) graft failed due to inverted marking at the eye bank and subsequent reverse implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-loaded, tri-folded tissues can be implanted with acceptable levels of endothelial cell loss. We describe a no-touch method of injecting pre-loaded, tri-folded tissue and highlight incorrect marking as a potential complication. This may not be identifiable intraoperatively due to lack of scroll formation.