A simple ex vivo model for teaching Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe a simple ex vivo porcine model for teaching Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: Twenty freshly enucleated porcine eyes were used to create a pseudo-graft from the porcine lens capsule and implant it into an intact porcine globe using the standardized 'no-touch' technique of the Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery (NIIOS). RESULTS: The DMEK pseudo-graft could be inserted, centred, unfolded and appositioned in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing DMEK surgery under wetlab conditions was feasible by the described simple and low-cost model. This new tool may facilitate the adaptation of DMEK by cornea surgeons.