Microkeratome-based limbal harvester for limbal stem cell transplantation: preliminary studies.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a mechanical device to perform limbal transplantation. This procedure is a valuable surgical technique for management of limbal stem cell deficiency. However, the freehand dissection to obtain donor tissue is laborious and time-consuming.


METHODS
A manual microkeratome (LSK One; Moria/Microtech, Doylestown, Pennsylvania) using a redesigned head (200 microm thickness, 16-mm blade) was used to create partial thickness corneoscleral caps from human donor globes.


RESULTS
Corneoscleral caps obtained from human donor globes included a ring of approximately 1 mm of perilimbal sclera in contiguity to the cornea. Scanning electron microscopy showed a smooth cut surface with some chatter at the margins.


CONCLUSIONS
This instrument ensures an effective and straightforward method to dissect the area where stem cells have been indirectly localized.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, 118 Med Surge I, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. rschuck@uci.edu
R S
RS
Chuck
A
A
Behrens
P J
PJ
McDonnell
D017690:Cell Transplantation; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000637:transplantation / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D016850:Limbus Corneae / Q000166:cytology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*