Autologous Transplantation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Bruch Membrane Complex for Hemorrhagic Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of transplantation of autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch membrane complex after the removal of the subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. Methods Retrospective analysis of 30 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration who have underwent the procedure of evacuation of subretinal blood,surgical debridment of the subretinal space,excision of choroidal neovascular vessel membrane,and transplantation of autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch membrane complex. Visual function tests included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA),multifocal ERG (mfERG),optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography. Autofluorescence tests were also conducted. Results After at least 6 months of follow-up,the BCVA of 25 (83.33% )patients increased,2(6.66% )patients had no change, 3 (10%)patients decresed; All the transplanting grafts spreaded without any curling. No recurrent CNV was observed. Conclusions The short-term results of this surgical procedure is confirmed,it could increase the visual acuity of patients with hemorrhagic AMD. This surgical intervention should be applied in the eyes with the massive subretinal hemorrhage associated with age-related macular degeneration. Key words: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD); Autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch membrane complex transplantation; Choroidal neovascular membrane