Anatomy-Based DMEK-Wetlab in Homburg/Saar – Novel aspects of donor preparation and host maneuvers to teach Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Use of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) has been limited because of problems with donor preparation, i.e. tearing of the Descemet membrane and difficulties in unfolding the Endothelium-Descemet-Membrane-Layer (EDML) in the anterior chamber (AC). The purpose of this work was to describe a novel approach to teaching anatomy-based donor and recipient preparation in a DMEK-Wetlab.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We teach successful mono-manual donor preparation of human corneas in organ culture not suitable for transplantation, including peripheral markers for orientation. We also teach safe recipient preparation in a freshly-enucleated pig eye in organ culture preservation medium for atraumatic introduction of the EDML roll into the AC, reliable orientation of the EDML during surgery, and stepwise unfolding within the AC.

RESULTS: Twenty-two candidates in the 1. Homburg Cornea Curriculum HCC 2015 who practiced both preparations using three human donor corneas and three pig eyes assessed the procedure as follows: (1) overall grade of the Wetlab 1.4 (median 1, range 1 to 2 - on a scale from 1 (excellent) to 6 (terrible); (2) most participants and tutors stated that the Wetlab is most effective for colleagues who have some previous experience with corneal microsurgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Our novel anatomy-based approach to simulating donor preparation and graft implantation for DMEK seems to meet the expectations and requirements of colleagues with previous experience in corneal microsurgery and will help to reduce the rate of complications for incipient DMEK surgeons in the future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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