{
  "abstract": "Purpose Cryopreservation is a worldwide processing method for different tissues. In the case of corneal grafts, very few studies analyze the results with the use of cryopreserved corneas. We present our experience with the use of cryopreserved corneas in our Tissue Establishment (TE) over the last 10 years.Method We retrospectively reviewed all cryopreserved corneas processed in our TE since 2013, analyzing graft characteristics, the implant technique used and recipient follow-up.Results We received 3941 corneas from 1985 donors, of which 3279 were stored at 4°C, 437 cultured and 225 cryopreserved. The reasons for cryopreservation were mainly low endothelial cell density or no recipient. From those corneas not valid at 4°C, 740 were cryopreserved for educational purposes and were not included in the analysis. For those cryopreserved the mean donor age was 65.7±12.2 years. The mean endothelial cell density was 2235±406. A total of 187 cryopreserved corneas were valid, of which 122 were finally implanted in 113 recipients. The mean storage time was 544.1±286 days. 39 penetrating keratoplasties were performed, and 51,8% of the cases the graft is still functioning at 3,6 years, with a mean follow-up time of 713 days. In 78 cases the corneas were used to cover a glaucoma valve, and all of them are still functioning with a mean follow-up time of 590 days. In 4 cases a DALK technique was used, and three are functioning. In one case a partial keratoplasty was performed, functioning with a follow-up period of 837 days. The functionally was not related with the storage timeConclusions Cornea cryopreservation is a suitable method of allowing grafts to be used for educational purposes and clinical use in those urgent cases where no cornea is available to perform penetrating keratoplasty and to cover a glaucoma valve with good results.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Jacinto Sánchez Ibáñez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Maria del Carmen Vazquez Blanco"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Transplant Coordination Office A Coruña University Hospital. A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Silvia Carames Manteiga"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Research Support Unit A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Vanesa Balboa Barreiro"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Josefina Lopez Gonzalez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Juan Luis Garcia Bonome"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Rosa Maria Porto Lavandeira"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Transplant Coordination Office A Coruña University Hospital. A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "María Valentina Fernandez Lopez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Esther Rendal Vázquez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Tissue establishment A Coruña University Hospital, A Coruña, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Anton Fernandez Garcia"
    }
  ],
  "title": "4.5. Role of cryopreservation with cornea grafts. Our experience in the last 10 years",
  "uid": "ebad870a-0f5c-5211-96ce-0ab7dc83f59f"
}