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The first-in-human implantation of the CorNeat keratoprosthesis

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Abstract

Objectives

To describe the first clinical implantation of the CorNeat™ keratoprosthesis, which utilizes a polymeric scaffold for biointegration within ocular tissue.

Methods

The CorNeat keratoprosthesis was implanted in the right eye of a patient with bilateral corneal opacification and neovascularization secondary to multiple failed grafts. The following surgical technique was used: 360 degree peritomy; epithelial scraping and corneal marking; pre-placement of three corneo-scleral sutures through the implant; central trephination using a 7 mm trephine and host cornea removal; keratoprosthesis placement and sutures tightening while fitting the corneal edge into the posterior groove of the CorNeat keratoprosthesis; and repositioning of the conjunctiva over the implant skirt and fixation with sutures and Fibrin sealant.

Results

Twelve months postoperatively visual acuity improved to 1/16 from hand movement. The keratoprosthesis was properly positioned. Tactile intraocular pressure was assessed as normal. Regional, mostly nasal, conjunctival retraction of 4–5 mm over the nano-fibre skirt was seen throughout follow-up. The anterior chamber was quiet and well-formed. No other postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusion

This initial case may imply a potential breakthrough in the treatment of corneal disease not amenable to standard corneal transplant. Long follow-up and additional implantations are desired to prove the long-term safety and efficacy of this device.

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Fig. 1: CorNeat KPro’s design.
Fig. 2: Photographs demonstrating the major steps of the CorNeat KPro surgical implantation procedure.
Fig. 3: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography demonstrating proper location of the CorNeat KPro at the 3-months postoperative visit.
Fig. 4: An ocular photograph of the patient 6 month after the CorNeat KPro implantation.
Fig. 5: An ocular photograph of the patient 6 month after the CorNeat KPro implantation.

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Data availability

All data generated in this case are included in this published article.

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Funding

The study was funded by CorNeat Vision Ltd.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel

    Irit Bahar, Olga Reitblat & Eitan Livny

  2. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Irit Bahar, Olga Reitblat & Eitan Livny

  3. CorNeat Vision Ltd, Raanana, Israel

    Gilad Litvin

Authors
  1. Irit Bahar
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  2. Olga Reitblat
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  3. Eitan Livny
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  4. Gilad Litvin
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Contributions

GL designed the model and the study framework. IB and EL performed the described experiment. All authors analysed the data. OR and IB wrote the manuscript. All authors provided critical feedback and helped shape the experiment, analysis and manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Irit Bahar.

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Competing interests

GL is an employee of CorNeat Vision Ltd and the inventor of the Corneat Kpro. No other author has any financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned

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Bahar, I., Reitblat, O., Livny, E. et al. The first-in-human implantation of the CorNeat keratoprosthesis. Eye 37, 1331–1335 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-022-02105-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-022-02105-3

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