Using plasma rich in growth factors during corneal transplants

Safety and Efficacy of Brief Intraoperative Corneal Endothelial Graft Incubation in Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) for Reducing Postoperative Endothelial Cell Loss

Not applicable Interventional University of Miami · NCT06261346

This study tests if using plasma rich in growth factors during corneal transplants can help patients keep more healthy cells after surgery compared to standard methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Miami, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06261346 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of using plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to incubate corneal endothelial grafts during surgery. The goal is to reduce the loss of endothelial cells after the transplantation procedure. Patients undergoing endothelial keratoplasty at specific institutions will receive this treatment to assess its impact on postoperative outcomes. The study will involve a comparison of results from patients treated with PRGF versus standard procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals scheduled for endothelial keratoplasty at the participating institutions with corneal graft tissue preserved within 14 days.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of corneal transplantation in the study eye or those with significant visual impairment in the other eye may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved outcomes and reduced cell loss for patients undergoing corneal transplantation.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of PRGF in other surgical contexts has shown promise, this specific application in corneal transplantation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* undergoing endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK or DMEK) at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute or Price Vision Group, using corneal graft tissue within 14 days of preservation

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of corneal transplantation in the study eye, Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 20/40 in the contralateral eye, systemic immunosuppression, previous intraocular surgical procedures (other than cataract surgery) such as glaucoma tubes or silicone oil.

The following special populations will be excluded.

* Adults unable to consent
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Fuchs' Endothelial DystrophyCorneal Edema
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.