title: Crescenteric amniotic membrane grafting in keratoprosthesis-associated corneal melt.
abstract: We herein present a surgical technique for the management of corneal melt following Boston type I keratoprosthesis implantation. The technique was performed using new-generation dehydrated human amniotic membrane. The membrane was fashioned in the shape of 2 crescentic patches using disposable corneal trephines. A double layer of grafts was then sutured into the host bed with interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. Rapid healing with corneal epithelization and vascularization was noted within days. The main advantage of the amniotic membrane that we used is that it is thicker than the older generation (110 vs 40 microm) and suitable for tectonic purposes. It is also readily available with a long shelf life and does not require a lamellar dissection unlike a donor corneal patch. This surgical technique may potentially serve as another tool in a cornea surgeon's armamentarium.
authors.affiliation: Ocular Surface Diseases and Dry Eye Clinic, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-9238, USA.
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tay
authors.forename: Canan Asli
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Utine
authors.forename: Esen K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Akpek
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D001187:Artificial Organs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003315:Cornea; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003890:Desiccation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology