Microkeratome-based limbal harvester for limbal stem cell transplantation:Preliminary studies

PURPOSE: To develop a mechanical device to perform limbal transplantation. This procedure is a valuable surgical technique for management of limbal st em cell deficiency. However, the freehand dissection to obtain donor tissue is laborious and time-consuming. METHODS: A manual microkeratome (LSK One; Moria/Microtech, Doylestown, Penn sylvania) using a redesigned head (200 mum 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 rin g of approximately 1 mm of perilimbal sclera in contiguity to the cornea. S canning electron microscopy showed a smooth cut surface with some chatter a t the margins. CONCLUSION: This instrument ensures an effective and straightforward method to dissect the area where stem cells have been indirectly localized. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001;131:377-378. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).