Simple Modification of a DSAEK Carrier Enables Graft Insertion by Injection Without Compromising Endothelial Cell Viability.

Purpose: We evaluate the quality and feasibility of preloading Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) grafts into a modified EndoGlide Ultrathin system for graft injection.

Methods: DSAEK grafts were prepared by experienced processing technicians at 2 separate locations, loaded into a modified EndoGlide Ultrathin, and placed in storage media. Grafts processed at one location were shipped cross-country overnight to the other location and were examined on arrival for positioning within the modified EndoGlide Ultrathin. All grafts were ejected and analyzed for endothelial cell loss (ECL) with calcein acetoxymethyl staining and FIJI segmentation. A subset of grafts was measured by optical coherence tomography for graft thickness 1 hour after cut, 1 hour after loading, and 1 day after loading.

Results: No grafts were displaced from the modified carrier over 3 shipping events (n = 9), and all grafts (n = 18) were successfully ejected. Grafts loaded into the modified carrier and ejected exhibited no more cell loss than grafts loaded into the standard carrier and removed by pull-through (14.0% ± 2.8% vs. 12.2% ± 3.4%, respectively, P = 0.24). Carrier modification skills can be successfully transferred as grafts loaded by a processing technician new to carrier modification were within the acceptable limit of 25% ECL for transplant DSAEK grafts. Graft thickness increased significantly ( P < 0.05) between the postcut and 1-hour postload measurement and the postcut and 24-hour postload measurement.

Conclusions: The EndoGlide Ultrathin can be modified to enable its use for graft injection while not compromising the ability to use the pull-through method for graft delivery. Preloaded DSAEK grafts swell significantly during the 24-hour storage period, and patterns of ECL may be linked to swelling.