Evaluation of a new system for obtaining donor lamellar grafts

To evaluate the performance of a new system for obtaining corneal lamellar grafts of preset sizes. The system consists of the combination of an artificial anterior chamber (MALKS) and an automated microkeratotome (MASYK).

A prospective study was performed. Lamellar tissue was obtained with the microkeratotome from 40 human corneoscleral buttons mounted in the artificial anterior chamber. The instrument was set to cut lamellae with a center thickness of 350 microm and a diameter of 10 mm. A new cutting blade for the microkeratotome was used for every 8 cases. Thickness was measured by ultrasound pachymetry. The lamellar diameter was assessed with a micrometric caliper.

The center thickness of the corneal lamellae ranged from 230 to 430 microm (mean, 322 +/- 48 microm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 307-337 microm). The diameter of the stromal ranged from 9.26 to 10.74 mm (mean, 10 +/- 0.27 mm; 95% CI, 9.9-10 mm). There were no cases of perforation or incomplete/irregular lamellae. The interface between the residual stroma and the lamellae was macroscopically smooth. The repetitive use of the same blade up to 8 times did not significantly change these results.

The MALKS and MASYK system showed good accuracy in obtaining lamellae of specific thickness and size taken from human corneoscleral buttons. It is a promising instrument for use in deep lamellar keratoplasty. The technique may be useful in obtaining precut lamellar donor tissue for distribution by eye banks.