Dye-based identification of the orientation of tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: A laboratory-based study

• Published in: Indian journal of ophthalmology Vol. 69; no. 7; pp. 1741 - 1745
• Main Authors: Donthineni, Pragnya, Vaddavalli, Pravin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01-07-2021; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Accuracy; Automation; Cornea; Corneal transplantation; descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty; dye based identification of lenticule orientation; Dyes; endothelial transplant; Epithelial cells; Fluorescein; Health aspects; loss of orientation of lenticule; Original; Physiological aspects; Stains & staining; Statistical analysis; Transplantation; India; Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty; endothelial transplant; dye based identification of lenticule orientation; loss of orientation of lenticule
• DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_2074_20
• EISSN: 1998-3689
• ISSN: 0301-4738

Purpose: To describe the features enabling the identification of the orientation of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) lenticule with the assistance of vital dyes. Methods: This is a blinded experimental lab-based study, including 30 microkeratome prepared precut DSAEK lenticules. The lenticules were divided into control and study arms which included 10 unstained and 20 stained lenticules, respectively. In the study arm, vital dyes like trypan blue (TB), brilliant blue (BB), indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein stain (FS) were used to stain 5 lenticules each. They were examined by experienced (group 1) and novice surgeons (group 2) to identify the correct orientation of the lenticule. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: Of the 30 lenticules examined, the average of total scores obtained by each observer was higher (78%) in group 1 as compared to group 2 (65.3%) which was statistically significant (P < 0.005). In group 1, the accuracy of identifying the correct orientation of unstained lenticules was 70% which improved to 82% on staining. The accuracy in group 2 was 58% with unstained lenticules which improved to 69% on staining. Within the study arm, irrespective of surgical experience, the accuracy was highest with BB (86%), followed by TB (82%), ICG (72%) and FS (62%). Conclusion: This study found that the accuracy of identifying the orientation of DSAEK lenticules increased with experience and with the assistance of staining using vital dyes. This accuracy improved with blue dyes like brilliant blue and trypan blue, irrespective of the level of experience.