title: Simple technique for graft insertion in Descemet-stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty using a 30-gauge needle.
abstract: We describe a needle insertion technique for graft insertion in Descemet-stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK/DSAEK). A folded donor posterior corneal disk is inserted through a 5.0 mm scleral tunnel incision over a plastic glide using a 30-gauge needle. The technique enables safe and easy graft insertion without vertical or horizontal compression of the donor tissue, causing minimal trauma to the donor endothelium and/or host structures.
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Chandra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Balachandran
authors.forename: Lisanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ham
authors.forename: Rénuka S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Birbal
authors.forename: Tse-Hang
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van der Wees
authors.forename: Gerrit R J
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Melles
mesh_terms: D002452:Cell Count; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps