The ADVISE Study: Advanced Visualization In Corneal Surgery Evaluation

Summary

Rationale: Intra-operative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is a new technology that incorporates advanced imaging techniques in the ophthalmic operating theatre. This allows surgeons to visualize tissues in a way previously impossible We conceptualized an iOCT-guided surgical protocol for the treatment of endothelial cell dysfunction, that refrains from the current practice of over-pressurizing the eye at the end of surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical value of intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) by comparing an iOCT-optimized surgical protocol with current practice, where the eye is over-pressurized for a set period of time, in terms of surgical efficiency, clinical outcomes, and adverse events.

Study design: International multicentre non-inferiority randomized clinical trial Study population: Patients scheduled for posterior lamellar corneal surgery for endothelial cell dysfunction above the age of 18 years.

Intervention: Both groups will undergo Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty. Patients will be randomized for either the iOCT optimized surgical protocol or current standard surgical protocol using 8 minutes of overpressure to facilitate graft adherence. Both groups will be evaluated with iOCT at the end of surgery.

Main study parameters/endpoints:

The main study parameter is the rate of adverse events (particularly graft dislocations). Secondary parameters/endpoints are surgical time, the recovery of visual acuity and endothelial graft quality at 3 and 6 months follow-up, and a detailed evaluation of the extent/duration of surgical tissue manipulations.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: The use of iOCT during surgery does not entail additional risk to the patient. Participants to this study will adhere to the standard of care after corneal transplant surgery. In addition, they will receive study specific measurements and questionnaires. The additional measurements and questionnaires will be combined with regular follow up moments.

Conditions

• Fuchs Dystrophy
• Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
• Bullous Keratopathy
• Vision Disorders

Interventions

DEVICE

intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT)

The OCT technology is fully integrated in a conventional ophthalmic surgical microscope (Zeiss LUMERA 700 platform). The OCT consists of A-scans (length/thickness) and B-scans (X-Y plane) to create the three dimensional image. Alternatively C-scans (3D cube scans) are available. All scans are non-invasive. The surgeon can continue surgery whilst using the iOCT and view a live image projected in the binocular or on the external screen and the video stream can be recorded as well. The iOCT features are controlled using the foot paddle and the images are recorded on device. Investigations will be performed in a standardized matter: iOCT imagery and cube-scans after graft insertion, air injection, and the end of surgery.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Maastricht University Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

  collaborator OTHER

• Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbH

  collaborator INDUSTRY

• UMC Utrecht

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

100 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-11-13

Primary Completion

2021-08-01

Completion

2022-09-01

Countries

• Belgium
• Netherlands

Study Locations