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Microkeratome-based limbal harvester for limbal stem cell transplantation: preliminary studies
R S Chuck1, A Behrens, P J McDonnell
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, 118 Med Surge I, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. rschuck@uci.edu
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 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.
Conclusion:
This instrument ensures an effective and straightforward method to dissect the area where stem cells have been indirectly localized.