A novel technique for harvesting keratolimbal allografts from corneoscleral buttons.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a method for obtaining partial-thickness keratolimbal allografts from corneoscleral buttons to be used in corneal limbal stem cell transplantation.


METHODS
Description of device design and technique for use.


METHODS
Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, placed on the posterior side of a trephinated corneoscleral rim, is used to secure the allograft to a disposable acrylic sphere that is attached to a cylindrical base.


RESULTS
After fixation of the corneoscleral rim to the acrylic sphere, keratolimbal allograft harvesting is performed as a continuous strip dissection with a 65 Beaver blade. This technique minimizes trauma to the epithelial stem cells, provides excellent stability of the corneoscleral rim during harvesting, and preserves the central corneal button.


CONCLUSIONS
This method for obtaining keratolimbal allografts effectively provides tissue stabilization during harvesting, minimizing epithelial stem cell trauma and eliminating the need for whole donor globes.
Aldave
Anthony J
AJ
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco/Francis I. Proctor Foundation, San Francisco, California, USA. aldave@jsei.ucla.edu
Wong
Ira G
IG
D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D006801:Humans; D016850:Limbus Corneae; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000295:instrumentation; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous