Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography-Assisted Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in the DISCOVER Study: First 100 Cases.

PURPOSE

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) may facilitate successful transition to Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery via improved efficiency of tissue orientation. The purpose of this study is to report a large consecutive series of iOCT-assisted DMEK, inclusive of all learning curve cases.

DESIGN

Prospective consecutive case series.

METHODS

The Determination of Feasibility of Intraoperative Spectral Domain Microscope Combined/Integrated OCT Visualization During En Face Retinal and Ophthalmic Surgery (DISCOVER) study is a single-site, multisurgeon, IRB-approved investigational device prospective study. The first 100 consecutive iOCT-assisted DMEK surgeries performed by 1 attending corneal surgeon (JMG) and 6 novice surgeons (cornea fellows under supervision) were reviewed. iOCT was utilized for tissue orientation. Patient demographics, tissue characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative complications are reported.

OUTCOMES

(1) Utility of iOCT based on surgeon reporting during surgery, (2) intraoperative graft unscrolling efficiency, and (3) frequency of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

One hundred eyes of 76 patients were enrolled. Forty-three cases were performed by 1 staff physician and 57 cases were performed by 6 cornea fellows. Concurrent phacoemulsification with lens implantation was performed in 52 cases (52%). Nine eyes (9%) required rebubbling. Two eyes (2.0%) experienced primary graft failure. One graft failure resulted from surgeon error in interpreting the iOCT. Average unscrolling time was 4.4 ± 4.1 minutes (range: 0.7-27.6 minutes).

CONCLUSIONS

iOCT facilitates DMEK orientation without the need for external markings. For novice DMEK surgeons, complication rates and unscrolling times compare favorably with alternative tissue orientation methods.