Applied research & innovation in Eye Hospitals

1. Introducing EndoArt as an innovative, donor-free alternative to conventional endothelial keratoplasty
2. All implants were attached at final follow-up, with improved visual acuity in the visual rehabilitation group and symptomatic relief in all six comfort cases
3. Postoperative intervention burden was substantial, with 50% requiring re-bubbling, 40% suture revision and several significant complications
4. Successful implementation requires careful patient selection, staff training, structured follow-up and appropriate surgical resources
5. EndoArt may offer particular benefits in resource-limited settings where access to donor corneal tissue is limited

This presentation explores the clinical outcomes and practical challenges of introducing EndoArt, a novel donor-free artificial endothelial implant, into a tertiary ophthalmology service in the United Kingdom.

We present our early experience of 10 patients with complex ocular comorbidities and limited suitability for conventional endothelial keratoplasty. All implants were attached at final follow-up, with improvements in visual acuity among patients undergoing visual rehabilitation and complete symptomatic relief in those treated for painful bullous keratopathy.

Despite these encouraging outcomes, postoperative management was demanding, with 50% of patients requiring re-bubbling, 40% requiring suture revision and several significant complications.

Beyond clinical efficacy, the presentation considers the wider implications of implementing innovative ophthalmic technologies, including patient selection, staff training, postoperative workload and resource allocation.

Finally, we explore the potential role of EndoArt in resource-limited healthcare settings where access to donor corneal tissue is restricted, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of adopting donor-free endothelial therapy across different healthcare environments.