title: Human Ex Vivo Artificial Anterior Chamber Model for Practice DMEK Surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a wet lab model using human corneas for practicing all steps of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve human research corneas were used for training purposes. Each DMEK surgery required 2 corneas; one for donor graft preparation and one to practice graft insertion and unfolding in a novel artificial anterior chamber model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six complete DMEK procedures were successfully performed. Apart from donor graft preparation and graft insertion into the anterior chamber, it was feasible to practice different and combinations of graft unfolding techniques in conditions similar to real human procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This wet lab model allows practicing steps of DMEK and learning significant surgical skills. Reusable instruments can be used in regular operating facilities resulting in reasonable costs.
authors.affiliation: Sussex Eye Hospital, Anterior Segment Department, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS, Brighton, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vasquez Perez
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000867:Anterior Chamber; D001187:Artificial Organs; D057111:Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014019:Tissue Donors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement