Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty - Related Videos
10:46
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
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Cited by 20 •
2014
Endothelial keratoplasty is a surgical technique continuously evolving as advancements result in transplantation of thinner grafts with each succession1. Here we present a technique for controlled manual tissue dissection to allow safe and repeatable separation of endothelium and Descemet's membranes from donor corneoscleral buttons for transplantation2.
08:37
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
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Cited by 31 •
2012
Endothelial corneal transplantation is a surgical technique for treatment of posterior corneal diseases. Mechanical microkeratome dissection to prepare tissue results in thinner, more symmetric grafts with less endothelial cell loss and improved outcomes. Dissections can be performed at the eye bank prior to corneal transplantation surgery.
04:11
Laser-assisted Selective Ablation of Porcine Corneal Endothelial Cells: A Technique to Induce Focused Porcine Corneal Endothelial Injury for Ex Vivo Studies
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2025
This video demonstrates a non-invasive laser-assisted procedure to selectively damage the corneal endothelial cells in the porcine eye. The developed ex vivo model of endothelial cell damage can be used to study diseases of the corneal endothelium.
09:05
In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study Corneal Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition
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Cited by 7 •
2016
A primary culture of bovine corneal endothelial cells was used to investigate the mechanism of corneal endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, a rat corneal endothelium cryoinjury model was used to demonstrate corneal endothelial-mesenchymal transition in vivo.
11:04
Isolation of Valvular Endothelial Cells
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Cited by 82 •
2010
We provide a method for isolating and culturing pure populations of heart valve endothelial cells (VEC). VEC can be isolated from either side of the cusp or leaflet and immediately following, underlying interstitial cell (VIC) isolation is straightforward.
FAQs
The transplanted endothelial cells restore the cornea’s fluid-regulating function. When this regulation improves, excess fluid can be controlled within the corneal tissue, supporting recovery of transparency and visual function. The outcome depends on the donor layer adhering to the posterior cornea so its endothelial cells can function in the appropriate anatomical position.
DMEK targets the diseased Descemet membrane and endothelial cells while leaving the cornea’s other structural layers in place. This limited tissue replacement reduces disruption to the remaining corneal architecture. Preserving those layers is therefore central to the technique’s tissue-sparing approach and helps explain its use when endothelial dysfunction is the primary problem.
After the donor graft is unrolled inside the anterior chamber, an air bubble positions it against the posterior cornea. This contact allows the donor endothelial layer to adhere where it can replace the damaged tissue’s function. The bubble therefore supports graft placement and stabilization rather than serving as the treatment itself.
The procedure begins with preparation of a donor graft, followed by insertion through a small incision. The surgeon then unrolls the tissue inside the anterior chamber and introduces an air bubble to position it against the posterior cornea. These steps place the replacement layer at the site where endothelial function is needed.
DMEK is used primarily for corneal endothelial disorders, including Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and bullous keratopathy. These conditions are relevant because the technique replaces the diseased Descemet membrane and endothelial cells rather than replacing the entire cornea. Its application is therefore focused on disorders in which endothelial dysfunction contributes to impaired corneal clarity.
By restoring endothelial fluid regulation while limiting replacement to a thin posterior tissue layer, DMEK can improve corneal clarity and visual function. The technique is also associated with limited disruption of the cornea’s other structural layers. These outcomes explain its clinical relevance in treating endothelial disease rather than broader corneal damage.