Device to Facilitate Limbal Stem Cell Procurement from Eye Bank Donor Tissue

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To develop a device that facilitates the procurement of corneal limbal stem cell grafts for keratolimbal allograft procedures (KLAL) used in the treatment of ocular surface disease associated with stem cell deficiency. Methods:The device is composed of a pedestal with a convex surface mounted to a flat platform. A corneoscleral button placed endothelial side down and centrally upon the convexity is secured by suction conveyed through a hollowed core in the platform and pedestal that connect to fenestrated openings on the convex surface. A donut–shaped stainless steel ring placed on tension by springs braces the peripheral tissue. A circular corneal incision of precise depth is created by a suction trephine, and a crescent blade is utilized to peripherally dissect a donut–shaped KLAL. Results: This device facilitated harvesting KLAL from four practice corneoscleral buttons and then used to procure grafts from four corneoscleral buttons used in two KLAL procedures. Conclusions: The above–described device effectively secures corneoscleral buttons to facilitate procurement of donut–shaped keratolimbal allografts to be used in the KLAL procedure. It appears to offer advantages over freehanded techniques and control of tissue thickness compared to previously described devices used in keratolimbal allograft procurement.

Keywords: cornea: clinical science • anterior segment • cornea: epithelium