An astounding first in Boston

Sunday, June 2 2013 | 00 h 00 min | News

The first successful cornea transplant with donor endothelial tissue preloaded by an eye bank was performed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston.

Dr. Roberto Pineda used endothelial tissue that was prepared and pre-loaded into EndoGlide™ cartridges from Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, at the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research in Tampa, Florida. According to Dr. Pineda, this technology may minimize potential damage to the endothelial cells and, thus, lead to better outcomes for the patient. 

In a pre-clinical study conducted in 2012, the pre-loaded corneal tissue sustained 9.07% endothelial cell damage, compared to 36.2% damage for the tissue that was loaded into the insertion system on site.

“Reducing any variables that could interfere with a patient’s ability to successfully regain sight after surgery is significant. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Pineda.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507195811.htm