Novel Liquid Interface for Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Penetrating Keratoplasty.

Purpose: To introduce a methodical description and to investigate first clinical safety of a novel liquid interface technology for femtosecond laser-assisted perforating keratoplasty, maintaining the corneal curvature without applanation of the cornea.

Methods: In this pilot study six patients received a femtosecond laser keratoplasty using a new liquid interface providing a non-applanating trephination. Clinical outcomes were evaluated 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery.

Results: All procedures were performed without complications and donor and recipient corneas could be aligned without problems, even in cases of advanced keratoconus. Although this initial pilot study investigated clinical safety, a positive effect on postoperative astigmatism was observed.

Conclusion: We could show in this first pilot study that a hand-held liquid patient interface in combination with a femtosecond laser has a preliminary safety and reliability in penetrating keratoplasty.