Clinical Study
Eye (2007) 21, 775–779; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702326; published online 31 March 2006
A method for true endothelial cell (Tencell) transplantation using a custom-made cannula for the treatment of endothelial cell failure
Conflict of interest: none
No grants received
No proprietary interest
M Tappin1
1Ophthalmology Department, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Trust, Guildford, UK
Correspondence: M Tappin, Ophthalmology Department, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PZ, UK. Tel: +44 1932 872000 ext 3134; Fax: +44 1932 722515. E-mail: mike.tappin@virgin.net
Received 2 September 2005; Accepted 29 January 2006; Published online 31 March 2006.
Abstract
Aim
To describe a novel technique, true endothelial cell (Tencell) transplant, for the transfer of donor endothelial cells with only a Descemet's carrier in patients with endothelial cell failure.
Method
Three patients treated for endothelial cell failure underwent Tencell transplantation. Two were performed to alleviate pain from bullous keratopathy, and one was performed to improve vision. Preoperative pain, vision, and corneal thickness were recorded and compared to the same parameters postoperatively.
Results
At 3 months postoperatively, all patients were pain free. The visual acuity had improved in all cases, and all three cases demonstrated a reduction of central corneal thickness. In two cases it was possible to perform an endothelial cell count.
Conclusion
This is the first description of Tencell transplantation in living subjects.
Keywords:
endothelial dystrophy, endothelial transplant, corneal graft
