Descemet-Stripping Pseudo Endothelial Keratoplasty
Purpose
To assess the feasibility of DSPEK surgery in an animal model, and to investigate its efficacy. Background: Descemet’s Stripping Pseudo Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSPEK) is a posterior lamellar surgery in which the recipient's Descemet's membrane is replaced by a silicone implant. This implant acts as an artificial fluid barrier at the posterior surface of the cornea.
Methods
Eighteen rabbits underwent Descemet's stripping in their left eye, in 13 rabbits an 8-10.5 mm radius, silicon layer was implanted using an air bubble for its attachment (in a similar way to DSAEK operation). 5 rabbits were left as a control group. Follow up was 1-25 weeks. Slitlamp, pachymetry, OCT, and histology were used for corneal edema assessment.
Results
The implant was well attached in 6 eyes in which the cornea showed a remark recovery from corneal edema with a long follow-up, up to 6 months, there was no apparent inflammatory reaction during the follow-up in the tested eyes.
Conclusion
The preliminary results suggest a possibility of using a fluid barrier as a substitute for endothelium in the treatment of corneal edema: As long as the implant was attached, a positive effect on corneal edema was demonstrated. Larger group samples and longer period of observation is needed.