Total Human Eye Allotransplantation: Developing Surgical Protocols for Donor and Recipient Procedures

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Neuroregeneration

Background:

• Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) offers a novel approach for reconstructing nonfunctioning eyes.
• The authors have developed the first orthotopic rat eye transplantation model.
• Advancements in immunomodulation and neuroregeneration necessitate human surgical protocol development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a surgical protocol for orthotopic eye transplantation in a rat model.
• To provide a benchmark for future optimization of surgical techniques.
• To facilitate the development of large-animal models for transplantation research.

Main Methods:

• Cadaveric donor eye procurement involving orbital exenteration and specific vessel/nerve transection.
• Recipient vessel preparation including superficial temporal, internal maxillary, and facial arteries/veins.
• Ocular tissue transplantation with arterial and venous anastomoses, and nerve coaptation.

Main Results:

• Technical feasibility of cadaveric donor eye procurement and transplantation was demonstrated.
• Detailed measurements of optic nerve, donor artery/vein, and recipient vessel dimensions were recorded.
• Successful vascular and nerve anastomoses were performed, laying groundwork for further research.

Conclusions:

• The developed surgical protocol is a critical benchmark for technique optimization.
• This model supports the development of large-animal models for eye transplantation.
• The research potentiates future possibilities for vision restoration through transplantation surgery.