Retroprosthetic Membranes in AlphaCor Patients

Abstract

Retrocorneal membranes and RPMs with earlier keratoprostheses have frequently been reported without specific identifiable causes. Diabetes is known to be associated with intraocular membrane formation. This study demonstrates that systemic factors affect the risk of RPM formation with AlphaCor. In cases identified as at greater risk of membrane formation, peri- and postoperative therapies such as steroids, non-steroidals, heparin or rTPA should be considered. In our series, several therapeutic and surgical strategies appear effective but recognizing patients at increased risk pre-operatively and using preventive measures where indicated is likely to be key to minimizing the incidence of this complication.

AlphaCor artificial cornea: clinical outcome

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Several complications, associations, and risk factors have been identified. [21][22][23][24][25] The indications and surgical techniques have been evolving with experience. 26,27 This study aims to evaluate the long-term results, the main complications, and risk factors of AlphaCor implantations.…”

Fyodorov–Zuev keratoprosthesis implantation: long-term results in patients with multiple failed corneal grafts

“…The formation of RPM is a complication that is associated with all forms of keratoprosthesis surgery. [13,17,18] RPM formation was diagnosed in 44% of eyes with Boston type 1 Kpro in the study by Aldave et al [13], with an incidence of 25% to 37% reported in other series [12,19]. These may vary from condensations that coat the posterior surface of the optic to dense vascularized sheets of fibrotic tissue that require surgical excision, which threatens disruption and extrusion of the keratoprosthesis [17].…”

AlphaCor™ keratoprosthesis: postoperative development of six patients

“…Several complications and risk factors have been identified, including stromal melting [11], optic deposition [8,18], and retroprosthetic membranes [14]. The indications and surgical techniques have been described [5], and histologic findings from devices that were explanted have been presented [15].…”