{
  "abstract": "Purpose Since the establishment of our multi-tissue bank in 2007 we are processing corneal transplants (for PKP, for DMEK, pre-cut DMEK, sclera), homografts (aortic valve, pulmonary valve, pulmonal patch), amnion grafts (frozen or cryopreserved), autologous tissues and cells (ovarian tissue, cranial bone, PBSC) as well as investigational medicinal products and ATMPs (Aposec, APN401).Methods This presentation describes quality and activity data of the process of corneal transplant preparation from procurement through processing, testing, storage and distribution of full thickness corneal transplants, transplants for DMEK as well as pre-cut DMEK. Characteristics of distributed corneal transplants of the last 7 years (2017–2024) have been reviewed and analyzed.Results The data confirm an increase over the years in requests for DMEK transplants compared to PKP. Most of the requirements for the ideal DMEK transplant (>2400c/mm², no eye operations, no diabetes, donor age >50 years) are fulfilled. With an average cell count of DMEK transplants with >2500c/mm² and only 1.5% of donors under the age of 50 years these specifications are well met. Of all donors 25% were pseudophakic, increasing the risk of unsuccessful DMEK preparation. We have not yet collected data on diabetes, but clinical experience is indicating a poorer outcome at preparation. The most recent data from 2022 to 2024 show, that 20% of corneae are discarded after the first evaluation at initial preparation. Of all procured ocular bulbs only 50% could be released as corneal products for transplantation.Conclusions With the changing demands for corneal transplants as minimally invasive procedures became state of the art, tissue banks are faced with the challenges of more complex procedures and stricter and higher requirements. An ever-present shortage of donors and increasing numbers of donors with previous eye surgery and long medical histories have an impact on the quality of corneal products. The objective has to be optimization of the quality of our products by improving the conditions we are able to influence, such as precise donor selection.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria"
      ],
      "name": "Ursula Franz"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria"
      ],
      "name": "Simone Hennerbichler-Lugscheider"
    }
  ],
  "title": "1.5. Review of cornea banking activities at Austrian red cross blood transfusion service for upper Austria",
  "uid": "b753891c-a3cf-52d0-a5a5-313bdcb504cc"
}