Early Outcomes of an Artificial Endothelial Replacement Membrane Implantation After Failed Repeat Endothelial Keratoplasty

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a novel artificial endothelial replacement membrane implant for treating corneal edema after failed repeat endothelial keratoplasty (EK). Design: This was a retrospective interventional case series. Methods: Patients with chronic corneal edema underwent removal of the EK graft and implantation of an artificial endothelial replacement membrane (EndoArt, EyeYon Medical, Israel) several months after 2 or more Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty procedures. The implant was secured to the posterior corneal surface using an air–gas bubble. Outcome measures included corrected distance visual acuity (logMAR), central corneal thickness, device-related complications, and ocular discomfort. Results: Five eyes of 5 patients underwent EndoArt implantation. Six months after surgery, the synthetic endothelial replacement membrane was well-centered and adherent to the posterior corneal surface, with improvement in central corneal transparency in all patients. Corrected distance visual acuity increased from mean 1.26 ± 0.25 (logMAR) preoperatively to 0.74 ± 0.44 (logMAR) postoperatively (P = 0.06). Central corneal thickness significantly decreased from a mean of 805 ± 135 μm (excluding the EK graft) preoperatively to 588 ± 60 μm (excluding the EndoArt) postoperatively (P = 0.015). No severe device-related complications developed after surgery, although most patients required more than 1 air–gas bubble injection to achieve complete implant adhesion. All patients experienced preoperative reduction in subjective ocular pain. Conclusions: Synthetic endothelial replacement membrane implantation improves central corneal transparency and visual acuity in patients with failed EK and guarded prognosis for repeat keratoplasty. No significant implant-related adverse events occurred after surgery.