Video abstract of original research type paper “Combining Porcine Xenograft Intra-Corneal Ring Segments and CXL: a Novel Technique” published in the open access journal Clinical Ophthalmology by authors Kanellopoulos and Vingopoulos.
Purpose: The ex-vivo feasibility of creating corneal ring segments (ICRS) from biological
tissue (xenograft porcine cornea) and combining intra-corneal implantation with Corneal
CrossLinking (CXL).
Methods: The ring segments from gamma-irradiated porcine donor cornea were shaped and
implanted in human cadaver host cornea using a femtosecond laser for their dissection and
host cornea channel preparation. Intra-channel 0.25% riboflavin solution combined with
higher fluence CXL of 15 joules total energy followed their implantation. Anterior segment
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Scheimpflug tomography and Placido-disc topography
were used to monitor the positioning and refractive effect.
Results: The novel xenograft ring segments were positioned as planned at 85% corneal
depth and mid-peripheral, with documented, up to 7 diopters central cornea flattening.
Conclusion: Xenograft intracorneal ring segments combined with CXL may offer an
alternative to the synthetic materials used clinically so far, aiming in reducing complications
of intracorneal opaque deposit accumulation, segment migration, corneal erosion and potential
extrusion. Combining CXL may enhance their refractive effect and stabilize potential or
documented host ectasia. Read the full paper here [ Ссылка ]
