Descemet’S Membrane Graft Preparation; A Modified Technique.

Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: POCOR281 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/synm-sa22

Authors: Dr Hussien Ismail* ¹ , Prof. Dr Mahmoud Ismail ²

¹Cornea,Nour El Hayah Eye Hospital,Cairo,Egypt, ²Ophthalmology,Al Azhar University,Cairo,Egypt

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and reproducibility of a new technique for Descemet Membrane Endothelium Keratoplasty (DMEK) graft preparation other than the traditional submerged cornea (SCUBA) technique using an artificial chamber.

Setting

Nour El Hayah Eye Hospital

Methods

This is a prospective clinical study in which 26 donor corneas were used. The technique involves upside down placement of the donor cornea in an artificial chamber. After securing the graft and the chamber is filled with BSS, blunt dissection is performed using a fine spatula in separating the Descemet membrane up to approximately 2 mm from Schwalbe’s line; creating a pocket. Later, the donor cornea is punched in the usual pattern according to the desired graft size.

Results

The macroscopic integrity of the graft was complete and identical to the SCUBA technique in 25 out of 26 donor corneas. In one case a Descemet's membrane tear was found, and that case was excluded.

Conclusions

Placing the donor cornea upside-down in an artificial chamber allows a relatively easy separation of the Descemet’s membrane, which proved reproducible and macroscopically appropriate for DMEK graft preparation.