[Keratoprosthesis for experimental surgical use of donor eyes after corneal removal].
BACKGROUND
Keratoprosthetic devices have been introduced for short-term use during surgical interventions and for long-term therapeutical use. The keratoprosthesis presented here was developed for the experimental use of human donor eyes after removal of the cornea.


METHODS
In a step-by-step modification process, the main constructive elements of the keratoprosthesis were modified and tested for handling, operative stability and optical quality. PMMA was used as basic material.


RESULTS
The final model was a two-piece device consisting of a screw (8.0 mm long, 14.5 mm in diameter) with an ample base (17.5 mm in diameter) for the introduction into the anterior segment following a corneal removal 15.0 mm in diameter. A threaded outer ring fixes the scleral rim against the screw. Lateral boreholes enable the devices to be handled by ordinary surgical forceps.


CONCLUSIONS
The keratoprosthesis proved to be a useful and efficient aid in experimental and nearly realistic vitreoretinal surgery with human donor eyes after removal of the cornea.
Uhlig
C
C
Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster.
Gerding
H
H
D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005137:Eye, Artificial; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery