A Vietnamese female doctor’s invention marks a new breakthrough in corneal transplantation

In Vietnam, the first surgery applying this technique was successfully performed at Hong Ngoc General Hospital, in the presence of representatives from the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

The Kalinnikov Dinh PDEK endothelial keratoplasty innovation increases the success rate to 95 percent

For advanced corneal diseases that no longer respond to other treatment modalities, corneal transplantation remains the only solution to prevent blindness. However, because the cornea is an avascular and extremely thin tissue with a highly delicate endothelial layer, graft dissection and preparation using conventional techniques still carry significant risks of complications.

Even a minor imprecision during the procedure can perforate the cornea or damage the endothelial cells, potentially requiring the entire donated cornea to be discarded. In the context of a severe shortage of donor corneal tissue, this represents a major challenge for the field of ophthalmology.

With many years of research and clinical experience in Russia, Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh PhD, MD, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital, together with Prof Yuri Yuryevich Kalinnikov, one of Russia’s leading ophthalmology scientists, developed a corneal dissection and preservation system that increases the success rate of endothelial layer separation to more than 95 percent, compared with only 36.6 percent achieved by previous techniques.

The innovation consists of a spring-based air-injection dissector needle together with an enhanced corneal holder and stabilization ring. The air-injection needle provides a gentle and consistent force, reducing the risk of bubble rupture – the most significant complication during corneal layer separation. The improved holder and stabilization ring keep the cornea securely positioned and ensure precise needle alignment, allowing the dissection process to proceed safely while preserving the endothelial layer and producing high-quality grafts. This significantly decreases the risk of perforation, misdirection of the needle, or postoperative graft dysfunction.

The system is also designed to be compact, flexible and cost-effective while offering high practical applicability. This helps significantly reduce treatment expenses for patients while maintaining procedural safety and surgical quality.

The invention has been patented, underscoring its scientific value and high practical applicability in endothelial keratoplasty.

Successful treatment helps an 80-year-old patient with bullous keratopathy avoid the risk of blindness

Mr. PVT, an 80-year-old patient, was admitted with severely reduced vision, seeing hazy and clouded images, accompanied by photophobia and marked light sensitivity. His left eye experienced recurrent episodes of pain, with rapidly declining visual acuity that had nearly progressed to complete vision loss, significantly affecting his daily activities.

Clinical evaluation revealed that he had bullous keratopathy caused by endothelial dysfunction, with very limited potential for spontaneous recovery. Conservative treatments such as topical medication or the use of soft contact lenses were no longer effective in improving his visual acuity.

Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh PhD, MD, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital and the surgeon performing the corneal transplant, explained: “In elderly patients, the risk of complications is often higher because of severe corneal edema and poor regenerative capacity. The greatest challenge in this case was managing the extensively damaged and extremely fragile corneal tissue, while preparing and positioning the PDEK graft with absolute precision to ensure optimal adherence.”

During the procedure, the application of the refined Kalinnikov Dinh technique demonstrated clear advantages. It enabled gentle dissection of the graft complex, including the sixth corneal layer, allowing the creation of a PDEK graft tailored to the patient’s ocular anatomy while minimizing the risk of graft damage or detachment. This is particularly critical in elderly patients and in cases with highly fragile corneal tissue, such as that of Mr PVT.

The procedure progressed smoothly. The diseased corneal layer was removed gently and precisely, and the graft adhered well. The initial results are very positive, and the patient is being closely monitored to fully assess visual recovery,” Dr. Hoang Anh reported following the surgery.

Marking a milestone in Vietnam–Russia medical collaboration, witnessed by representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation

The successful outcome of the surgery clearly demonstrates the superior effectiveness of the corneal dissection and preservation technique developed by Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh PhD, MD and Prof Yuri Yuryevich Kalinnikov. At the same time, the procedure represents a significant achievement arising from the close and productive collaboration between Vietnamese and Russian ophthalmology.

In recognition of this achievement, representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and Hong Ngoc General Hospital jointly organized a ceremony to formalize the “Agreement on Professional Collaboration and Witness the Successful Corneal Transplantation.”

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam emphasized: “This occasion marks an important step forward, reflecting the commitment of both countries to promoting practical and sustainable healthcare initiatives. We highly appreciate the establishment of a close partnership between two leading institutions in the field of ophthalmology, which will enhance professional exchange and strengthen medical cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.”

Alongside this meaningful collaboration, the Hong Ngoc Eye Center continues to expand its international partnerships, strengthening technology transfer and professional exchange with countries that have advanced healthcare systems such as Japan, Germany and the United States. These efforts reaffirm the center’s commitment to leading emerging trends, continuously enhancing clinical expertise and advancing toward the goal of providing high quality and comprehensive ophthalmic care for patients.

As a specialized unit under Hong Ngoc General Hospital with many years of experience, and the exclusive comprehensive partner in Vietnam of Hoeikai, a leading ophthalmology group from Japan, the Hong Ngoc Eye Center provides comprehensive and advanced eye care services to meet all patient needs.

Hotline: 0919 489 258 – 0916 987 366 

Address: Zone C, 11th Floor, Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital - 8 Chau Van Liem Street, Tu Liem District, Hanoi

In Vietnam, the first surgery applying this technique was successfully performed at Hong Ngoc General Hospital, in the presence of representatives from the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

The Kalinnikov Dinh PDEK endothelial keratoplasty innovation increases the success rate to 95 percent

For advanced corneal diseases that no longer respond to other treatment modalities, corneal transplantation remains the only solution to prevent blindness. However, because the cornea is an avascular and extremely thin tissue with a highly delicate endothelial layer, graft dissection and preparation using conventional techniques still carry significant risks of complications.

Even a minor imprecision during the procedure can perforate the cornea or damage the endothelial cells, potentially requiring the entire donated cornea to be discarded. In the context of a severe shortage of donor corneal tissue, this represents a major challenge for the field of ophthalmology.

With many years of research and clinical experience in Russia, Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh PhD, MD, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital, together with Prof Yuri Yuryevich Kalinnikov, one of Russia’s leading ophthalmology scientists, developed a corneal dissection and preservation system that increases the success rate of endothelial layer separation to more than 95 percent, compared with only 36.6 percent achieved by previous techniques.

The innovation consists of a spring-based air-injection dissector needle together with an enhanced corneal holder and stabilization ring. The air-injection needle provides a gentle and consistent force, reducing the risk of bubble rupture – the most significant complication during corneal layer separation. The improved holder and stabilization ring keep the cornea securely positioned and ensure precise needle alignment, allowing the dissection process to proceed safely while preserving the endothelial layer and producing high-quality grafts. This significantly decreases the risk of perforation, misdirection of the needle, or postoperative graft dysfunction.

The system is also designed to be compact, flexible and cost-effective while offering high practical applicability. This helps significantly reduce treatment expenses for patients while maintaining procedural safety and surgical quality.

The invention has been patented, underscoring its scientific value and high practical applicability in endothelial keratoplasty.

Successful treatment helps an 80-year-old patient with bullous keratopathy avoid the risk of blindness

Mr. PVT, an 80-year-old patient, was admitted with severely reduced vision, seeing hazy and clouded images, accompanied by photophobia and marked light sensitivity. His left eye experienced recurrent episodes of pain, with rapidly declining visual acuity that had nearly progressed to complete vision loss, significantly affecting his daily activities.

Clinical evaluation revealed that he had bullous keratopathy caused by endothelial dysfunction, with very limited potential for spontaneous recovery. Conservative treatments such as topical medication or the use of soft contact lenses were no longer effective in improving his visual acuity.

Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh PhD, MD, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital and the surgeon performing the corneal transplant, explained: “In elderly patients, the risk of complications is often higher because of severe corneal edema and poor regenerative capacity. The greatest challenge in this case was managing the extensively damaged and extremely fragile corneal tissue, while preparing and positioning the PDEK graft with absolute precision to ensure optimal adherence.”

During the procedure, the application of the refined Kalinnikov Dinh technique demonstrated clear advantages. It enabled gentle dissection of the graft complex, including the sixth corneal layer, allowing the creation of a PDEK graft tailored to the patient’s ocular anatomy while minimizing the risk of graft damage or detachment. This is particularly critical in elderly patients and in cases with highly fragile corneal tissue, such as that of Mr PVT.

The procedure progressed smoothly. The diseased corneal layer was removed gently and precisely, and the graft adhered well. The initial results are very positive, and the patient is being closely monitored to fully assess visual recovery,” Dr. Hoang Anh reported following the surgery.

Marking a milestone in Vietnam–Russia medical collaboration, witnessed by representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation

The successful outcome of the surgery clearly demonstrates the superior effectiveness of the corneal dissection and preservation technique developed by Dr. Dinh Thi Hoang Anh PhD, MD and Prof Yuri Yuryevich Kalinnikov. At the same time, the procedure represents a significant achievement arising from the close and productive collaboration between Vietnamese and Russian ophthalmology.

In recognition of this achievement, representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and Hong Ngoc General Hospital jointly organized a ceremony to formalize the “Agreement on Professional Collaboration and Witness the Successful Corneal Transplantation.”

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam emphasized: “This occasion marks an important step forward, reflecting the commitment of both countries to promoting practical and sustainable healthcare initiatives. We highly appreciate the establishment of a close partnership between two leading institutions in the field of ophthalmology, which will enhance professional exchange and strengthen medical cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.”

Alongside this meaningful collaboration, the Hong Ngoc Eye Center continues to expand its international partnerships, strengthening technology transfer and professional exchange with countries that have advanced healthcare systems such as Japan, Germany and the United States. These efforts reaffirm the center’s commitment to leading emerging trends, continuously enhancing clinical expertise and advancing toward the goal of providing high quality and comprehensive ophthalmic care for patients.

As a specialized unit under Hong Ngoc General Hospital with many years of experience, and the exclusive comprehensive partner in Vietnam of Hoeikai, a leading ophthalmology group from Japan, the Hong Ngoc Eye Center provides comprehensive and advanced eye care services to meet all patient needs.

Hotline: 0919 489 258 – 0916 987 366 

Address: Zone C, 11th Floor, Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital - 8 Chau Van Liem Street, Tu Liem District, Hanoi