Vietnamese female doctor's invention creates new progress in corneal transplants

(Dan Tri) - A new invention in endothelial corneal transplantation developed by two Vietnamese and Russian doctors has increased the success rate to 95%.

In Vietnam, the first surgery applying this technique was successfully performed by Hong Ngoc General Hospital, witnessed by a representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Invention of PDEK endothelial corneal transplantation using Kalinnikov-Dinh technique increases success rate to 95%

For severe corneal diseases that are no longer responsive to other treatments, corneal transplantation is currently the only solution to prevent the risk of blindness. However, because the cornea is a very thin, avascular tissue with a particularly sensitive endothelial layer, dissection and graft preparation using traditional techniques still have many potential complications.

Even a single incorrect operation can puncture the cornea or damage the endothelial cells, leading to the need to remove the entire donated cornea. In the context of scarce corneal resources, this is a major challenge for the entire ophthalmology industry.

With many years of research and work in Russia, Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh - Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Hong Ngoc General Hospital and Prof. Dr. Yuri Yuryevich Kalinnikov - one of Russia's leading scientists in the field of ophthalmology, have researched and developed a device for separating and preserving corneas, helping to increase the rate of successful corneal separation to more than 95% - compared to only 36.6% in previous techniques.

The invention consists of a spring-loaded gas needle with an improved corneal base and fixation ring. The gas needle provides a gentle and stable thrust, reducing the risk of air bubble rupture - the biggest risk when separating corneal layers. The base and fixation ring help to stabilize the cornea and guide the needle precisely, thereby ensuring the separation process is safe, maximally protecting the endothelium and creating a high-quality graft. This contributes to significantly reducing the risk of post-operative graft puncture, displacement or graft dysfunction.

The kit includes a separating needle, base and fixing ring invented by a Vietnamese doctor (Photo: Hong Ngoc General Hospital).

The kit also has a flexible, compact design with low cost but high applicability, contributing to significantly reducing treatment costs for patients while still ensuring safety and surgical quality.

The patented invention affirms its scientific value as well as high practical application in endothelial corneal transplantation surgery.

The Kalinnikov-Dinh endothelial keratoplasty technique is patented.

Successfully helped 80-year-old patient with keratosis pilaris escape the risk of blindness

Mr. PVT (80 years old) was hospitalized with severe vision loss, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. His left eye experienced intermittent pain, vision rapidly declined, and he almost lost the ability to see, seriously affecting his daily activities.

The examination results showed that he had corneal edema due to endothelial dysfunction, with very poor recovery potential. Conservative treatments such as eye drops or soft contact lenses were no longer effective in improving his vision.

Mr. PVT (80 years old) was diagnosed with corneal blisters (Photo: Hong Ngoc General Hospital).

Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh - Head of the Ophthalmology Department, Hong Ngoc General Hospital, who directly performed the corneal transplant - said: "In older patients, the risk of complications is often higher due to severe corneal edema and poor recovery ability. The biggest challenge in this surgery is to treat the damaged and very weak cornea, and at the same time prepare and place the PDEK graft accurately to ensure optimal adhesion."

During the surgery, the application of the improved Kalinnikov-Dinh technique has shown outstanding effectiveness: it helps the doctor gently peel off the graft, including the 6th corneal layer, creating a PDEK graft that fits the patient's eye structure, while minimizing the risk of graft failure and detachment. This is especially important in elderly cases with sensitive corneas like that of Mr. PVT.

"The surgery went smoothly, the pathological corneal layer was gently and accurately removed, and the graft adhered well. The initial results were very positive, and the patient is being closely monitored to comprehensively assess the ability to improve vision," Dr. Hoang Anh said after the surgery.

Cornea transplant using the improved Kalinnikov-Dinh technique shows outstanding results (Photo: Hong Ngoc General Hospital).

Marking Vietnam - Russia medical cooperation in the presence of representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation

The success of the surgery is a clear demonstration of the superior effectiveness of the corneal separation and preservation technique invented by Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh and Prof. Dr. Yuri Yuryevich Kalinnikov. At the same time, the surgery is also an outstanding result of the close and effective cooperation between the Vietnamese and Russian healthcare systems in the field of ophthalmology.

In recognition of this achievement, representatives of the Russian Embassy and Hong Ngoc General Hospital jointly organized the ceremony "Signing professional cooperation and witnessing a successful corneal transplant".

Speaking at the program, the representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam emphasized: “The event is an important step forward, demonstrating the interest of the two countries in promoting practical and sustainable medical activities. We highly appreciate the establishment of close cooperation between two leading units in the field of ophthalmology, contributing to enhancing professional exchange and strengthening medical cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation”.

The representative of the Russian Embassy (second from left) worked at Hong Ngoc General Hospital to record the successful cornea transplant (Photo: Organizing Committee).

Along with this meaningful cooperation, Hong Ngoc Eye Center continues to expand international cooperation activities, enhance technology transfer and professional exchange with countries with developed healthcare systems such as Japan, Germany and the US... affirming its determination to lead new trends, constantly improve professional capacity and aim to provide high-quality, comprehensive ophthalmological services to patients.

Affiliated with Hong Ngoc General Hospital with many years of experience, being a comprehensive partner in Vietnam of the Japanese ophthalmology group - Hoeikai, Hong Ngoc Eye Center meets all the needs of intensive eye care of patients.

Hotline: 0919 489 258 - 0916 987 366

Address: Area C, 11th Floor - Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital - No. 8 Chau Van Liem, Tu Liem, Hanoi

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/sang-che-cua-nu-bac-si-viet-tao-buoc-tien-moi-trong-ghep-giac-mac-20251202143908227.htm