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.
Chuck
R S
RS
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, 118 Med Surge I, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. rschuck@uci.edu
Behrens
A
A
McDonnell
P J
PJ
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*