[Keratoprosthesis for experimental surgical use of donor eyes after corneal removal]. / Keratoprothese für die experimentell-operative Nutzung von Spenderaugen nach Hornhautentnahme.

ABSTRACT

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. MATERIALS AND 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.