Optimized Kalinnikov–Dinh technology for effective pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) graft preparation and preservation

Abstract

We report an optimized Kalinnikov–Dinh technology for pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) that involves the use of a ring fixator, base, 30G needle connected to a 5-ml syringe with a spring-loaded plunger, and storage media. Our method allows to minimize graft preparation failure and preserves the PDEK graft efficiently, by reducing complications associated with the formation of type 1 big bubbles, including bubble rupture, perforation of Descemet's membrane and endothelium, and formation of type 2 or mixed type of big bubbles, and may contribute to increasing the number of surgeons performing PDEK around the globe.

Keywords

• endothelial keratoplasty
• fuchs' dystrophy
• pdek
• pdek graft preparation
• pdek graft preservation
• pseudophakic bullous keratopathy