Modification in Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: "Hitch suture" technique

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe a new modification in Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, using a "hitch suture" to unfold the donor lenticule inside the recipient's eye. METHODS: The technique was used in 2 eyes of 2 patients with bullous keratopathy after complicated cataract surgery. A hitch suture was created in both the donor lenticules before inserting the folded graft in the recipient's anterior chamber. The hitch suture was pulled through a limbal stab incision to unfold the donor lenticule in both cases. RESULTS: No intraoperative problems were encountered. The grafts were well centered with corneal edema. The central part of the graft cleared over a period of 10 to 14 days...