Brief reports
Microkeratome-based limbal harvester for limbal stem cell transplantation: preliminary studies

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9394(00)00801-1Get rights and content

Abstract

PURPOSE: 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 μm 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.

CONCLUSION: This instrument ensures an effective and straightforward method to dissect the area where stem cells have been indirectly localized.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Ms. Leacky L-H. Liaw, MS, Beckman Laser Institute, University of California, Irvine, for her valuable assistance in the scanning electron microscopy analysis.

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