Instrumentation and technique for delivery of tissue explants to the subretinal space.
OBJECTIVE
The controlled orientation of subretinal or intraretinal delivery of delicate tissue sheets is a critical problem in retinal transplantation research.


METHODS
A surgical device (explant injector) was designed and built for the controlled delivery of tissue explants into the subretinal or intraretinal space via a vitrectomy approach. The technical feasibility was demonstrated in enucleated porcine eyes.


RESULTS
Using negative pressure, the injector allows for the fixation of an explant, such as a monolayer of cells cultured on a collagen membrane, on the carrier platform. The sheet can then be placed safely without loss of orientation in the subretinal space.


CONCLUSIONS
With the aid of the explant injector, it is possible to deliver an explant with the proper orientation to a precise location in the subretinal space.
Thumann
Gabriele
G
Department of Ophthalmology and IZKF BIOMAT., RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. G.Thumann@uni-koeln.de
Aisenbrey
Sabin
S
Schaefer
Frank
F
Bartz-Schmidt
Karl Ulrich
KU