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Purpose The purpose of this study was to report trends in the prevalence of early graft failure after endothelial keratoplasty in the United States. Methods Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) graft volumes were collected from records maintained by 6 major eye banks in the United States from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. The prevalence and presumed cause of early graft failures (defined as a graft with persistent edema or regrafted within 8 weeks after keratoplasty) each year were sourced from surgeon-reported adverse events. Failed graft cases from the 3 eye banks were compared with nonfailures at the donor and recipient levels to perform subset analysis of factors associated with early graft failure. Results A total of 51,887 endothelial keratoplasty tissues were distributed during the study period; 72% were DSAEK grafts. The total number of early graft failures reported was 168 of 14,284 (1.18%) for DMEK and 322 of 37,603 (0.86%) for DSAEK. Early DMEK failures decreased from 2013 (7.69%) to 2018 (0.68%). In generalized linear mixed model analyses adjusting for donor tissue characteristics, recipient age, and diagnosis, an association of borderline significance was found between higher donor age and early failure [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.03 (1.00-1.05); unit change of 1 yr] and DSAEK [odds ratio 1.02 (1.00-1.04); unit of change 1 yr] cases. Conclusions The proportion of early graft failures in DMEK decreased over time and was comparable with failure rates in DSAEK at the end of the study period. The surgical learning curve might have played a role.

Pure autologous breast reconstruction in thin patients creates challenges. This review highlights techniques to optimize the scarce donor tissue available, approaches to reconstruction, and microsurgical techniques. A systematic approach to maximize breast volume and the skin envelope in patients who underwent pure autologous breast reconstruction by a single senior surgeon is presented with a clinical case series. Included in the study were 125 patients (217) with autologous breast reconstructions. Although DIEP flaps were the commonest flap used overall (79%), within in the low body mass index ( 50%).

We report a new technique to replace a manufactured poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) ring with a biologic stromal ring fashioned from human corneal donor tissue in eyes with stromal melting above the PMMA ring. The biologic stromal ring is prepared using manual or femtosecond laser trephination of a donor cornea to obtain a 360-degree ring that is denuded and adjusted to match the PMMA ring being replaced. The biologic ring is attached to the PMMA ring. The PMMA ring is pushed and retrieved from the other side, which installs the biologic ring in place. Six biologic stromal rings were implanted successfully in 5 eyes of 5 patients with previous stromal melting; no complications were reported up to 6 months postoperatively. The biologic stromal ring stopped and healed the melting, prevented further ring complications, and preserved the therapeutic refractive effect of the previously implanted PMMA ring.

Best practices in fat transfer to the face focus on tissue harvest and processing techniques. This article discusses the role of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in mitigating tissue loss in grafting. Discrepancies among common practice and recent study results have propagated uncertainty with long-term results. Fortunately, recent increases in the understanding of these MSCs are leading providers to identify statistically more favorable tissue donor sites, harvest technique, and preparation methods to increase their concentration in transferred tissue. Future studies are needed to support or confound the long-term effects of MSC transfer on facial fat grafting.

The Peters’s Anomaly (PA) is an infrequent congenital anomaly of a cornea and anterior segment of eye. The rarity of this pathology and difficulty bound to inspection of newborns generate a situation when more or less certain clinical approaches to maintaining this anomaly remain obscure for most of children’s ophthalmologists. Purpose. To study clinical implications and to estimate results of surgical treatment in children with PA. Material and methods. Under observation from 1996 for 2016 on examination and treatment there were 51 children with the PA different forms, aged from 3 months up to 10 years: 1 group – mesodermal – 20 people (37%), 2 – group the ectodermal 31 child (63%). Surgical treatment – penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was carried out at 43 patients (69 eyes) aged from 8 up to 36 months. At other children (8 people) surgery was contraindicative because of serious somatic and eye pathology. Clinical-functional and ophthalmologic examination at all was conducted in the conditions of medication sleep. PKP carried out by a traditional technique, as donor material used a fresh cadaver cornea with prescription of a fence from death moment before operation no more than 48 hours. The biological result of surgery was estimated by a moment method (or Kaplana-Maier’s method) by means of which calculated so-called survival of a graft. Functional result – at children to 3-x years estimated approximately: on tracking of the child toys from a certain distance and method of a preferable look, at children of advanced age according to Sivtsev-Golovin’s table. Postoperative observation proceeded from 3 months to 15 years. The corneal disks removed during surgery were exposed to a histological research. Results. Within the first year after PKP a transparence of the replaced cornea remained in 1 group on 29 eyes (90%), in 2 group – at 21 patients of 26 eyes (67%). In 2 years after surgery the transparent donor cornea at children in 1 group remained at 17 patients (20 eyes, 62%); in – the second at 15 patients of 18 eyes (54%). In 5 years after surgery – at patients of 1 group a transparence of the replaced donor tissue was kept by 17 eyes (53%), in the second only 12 of 31 executed surgery (39%). In 10 years transparent were 53% and 31% of corneas, respectively. In 15 years after surgery a transparence was kept in 1 group of 15 eyes (46%), in 2 – on 9 (22%). Visual acuity (0,3 and above) was observed at 8 of 13 children (61%) after surgery about one year at children of advanced age only in 27% of cases, even at tr ansparent engraftment of a graft. Conclusion. The keratoplasty at PA at children of early age is the only chance to save the child from a blindness and disability on vision.

Management of skull base defects involves the separation of the cranial cavity from the nasal cavity in order to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leak, pneumocephalus, and intracranial infection. The size and location of the defect as well as donor tissue available will determine the type of reconstruction. Reconstruction options include free tissue grafts, locoregional flaps, and microvascular free flaps. In children, the size of potential flaps must be considered as well as the length of the pedicle, as often these differ in children. This article will discuss numerous reconstructive options, focusing on locoregional flaps in skull base reconstruction. In addition to outlining the surgical technique for each type, we will review considerations in pediatric patients for each reconstructive option.

To assess corneal endothelial cell (CEC) quantity and quality in eye-bank prepared lamellar grafts for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) from organ cultured donor corneas that have not undergone de-swelling by media supplementation with dextran. Prior to graft preparation, corneas that had not undergone de-swelling (n = 30) were placed into fresh storage medium without dextran (KMI). Corneas in the control group (n = 30) were placed in dehydration medium containing 5% dextran (KMII). Subtotal stripping of Descemet’s membrane (DM) was performed manually. Following graft preparation, 10 corneas of each group were cultured further in their respective medium for 24 h, 72 h, or 120 h, respectively. Before and after DM stripping, as well as at the end of culture, CEC numbers were obtained. At the end of culture, CEC morphology was graded using a scoring system and CEC metabolism was assessed by detection of adenosine triphosphate. At 24 h after DM stripping, mean CEC counts (in cells/mm2) were 2204 in corneas stored in KMII, and 2391 in corneas stored in KMI (p = 0.003). This corresponds to a mean relative CEC loss of 12.4% with dextran versus 9.7% without dextran (p = 0.04). At 72 h, CEC counts were 1946 in KMII, and 2289 in KMI (p = 0.004). This corresponds to CEC loss of 23% with dextran versus 14% without dextran (p = 0.009). At 120 h, CEC counts were 2047 in KMII, and 2230 in KMI (p = 0.14). This corresponds to CEC loss of 22.7% with dextran versus 17.2% without dextran (p = 0.14). Also, at 120 h after DM stripping, 6/10 corneas fell below a threshold of 2000 cells/mm2 if stored in medium containing dextran, versus 1/9 corneas if stored without dextran (p = 0.003). Morphological assessment of CEC quality revealed equal scores for cell polymorphism (median = 1), granulation (median = 0) and segmentation (median = 1) in all groups. Lower ATP/protein ratios were observed in corneas stored in medium without dextran at 24 h (p

Introduction. The purpose of this case report was to show the clinical long-term stability of a successful two-step root coverage procedure. A combination of two single techniques was used to treat an isolated deep-wide defect. Case Presentation. A 28-year-old female patient was referred in order to treat a single recession defect at #22. Due to her fear of dental procedures and a poor economic situation, the team developed an alternative solution. They used a modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) to increase the donor area and then a laterally positioned flap (LPF) to treat the root defect. Clinical evaluation at the three-year follow-up revealed complete resolution of the defect, a gain in clinical attachment, excellent esthetic results, and minor morbidity to the patient. Conclusion. The combination of the MARF and the LPF procedures was able to successfully treat a single deep recession defect with some advantages over traditional techniques such as simplicity, ideal color match of tissues, and the absence of palatal donor tissue.

Background: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplant (OCA) has good outcomes in the knee. However, donor tissue for patellar OCA is limited. Outcomes after nonorthotopic OCA of the patella using more readily available femoral condylar allograft (FCA) tissue have not been previously reported. Purpose: To assess short-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and minimum 2-year clinical outcomes of nonorthotopic patellar OCA using an FCA donor. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A prospective institutional cartilage registry was reviewed to identify patients treated with patellar OCA using an FCA donor between August 2009 and June 2016. OCA plugs were obtained from the FCA at its trochlear-condylar junction and implanted into the recipient patellar lesion. Early postoperative MRI scans were graded by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist using the Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS). International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC), Knee Outcomes Survey–Activities of Daily Living (KOS-ADL), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected preoperatively and at minimum 2 years postoperatively, and outcomes were compared using the paired t test. Results: A total of 25 patients were included for clinical outcome analysis and 20 patients for MRI analysis. MRI scans obtained at a mean of 11.4 months (range, 6-22 months) postoperatively showed a mean total OCAMRISS score of 9.0 (range, 7-11); mean bone, cartilage, and ancillary subscores were 2.6, 3.7, and 2.6, respectively. At the latest follow-up (mean, 46.5 months; range, 24-85 months), postoperative improvements were noted in IKDC (from 45.0 to 66.2; P = .0002), KOS-ADL (from 64.3 to 80.4; P = .0012), and VAS (from 5.1 to 3.4; P = .001) scores, with IKDC and KOS-ADL scores above the corresponding previously reported minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion: In this study, patellar OCA using nonorthotopic FCA led to significant short-term improvements in pain and patient-reported outcomes. The majority of nonorthotopic patellar grafts demonstrated full osseous incorporation and good restoration of the articular surface on MRI at short-term follow-up.

Corneal transplant surgeries have a broad range of indications with outcomes largely dependent on surgeon experience. Traditional manual techniques have certain limitations pertaining to the preparation of donor tissue and the recipient bed that might affect the predictability of visual outcomes. Use of lasers for keratoplasty procedures not only improves the repeatability and consistency of the technique, but also enables the surgeon to control the thickness and shape of the transplant tissue tailored to the specific condition. Despite the advantages, cost-effectiveness and technical know-how remain the major challenges. We discuss the various techniques of laser-assisted keratoplasties with respect to their methods, precision, and efficacy in various corneal indications.

PURPOSE To determine whether using younger donor tissue for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery influences clinical outcomes. METHODS Scroll tightness, unscrolling time, rebubble rate, and preoperative and 3- and 6-month postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) and endothelial cell loss (ECL) were compared for 661 DMEK grafts prepared from younger (aged younger than 50 yrs, n = 81) and older donors (aged 50 yrs or older, n = 580) with Student t test, χ2 test, or Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS There was no difference in overall unscrolling time (younger donors: 3.1 ± 3.1 min, older donor: 2.9 ± 2.7 min, P = 0.503). Experienced faculty surgeons, compared with fellows, had a significantly lower unscrolling times for both younger donors (2.4 ± 2.3 vs. 4.6 ± 3.9 min, P = 0.002) and older donors (2.5 ± 2.1 vs. 3.7 ± 3.3 min, P

The approach to nasal reconstruction is based on the nature of the defect and the donor tissue. The Rintala flap, first described by Rintala and Asko-Slejavaara, is a surgical technique used to close midline nasal defects. It is a simple, one-stage procedure and is most effective for defects ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters. In addition, the Rintala flap is an excellent tissue match and maintains the natural contour of the nose. Other flaps employed in nasal defect closure include the paramedian forehead flap and the Rieger flap. The authors discuss the Rintala flap technique and utility with comparison to alternative flaps used for nasal reconstruction.

Biliary complications are considered the Achilles’ heel of orthotopic liver transplantation and significantly influence the outcome of the patient. Ischemia, rejection of the donor tissue, and recurring underlying disease contribute to the etiology of biliary complications. Biliary strictures constitute 40–60% of biliary complications after liver transplantation. They are more common after living donor–related liver transplantation (LDLT) than orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Thereby, anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS) needs differentiation from non-anastomotic stricture (NAS), such as ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) that occur within the intrahepatic and proximal bile ducts.

Free gingival graft is one of the technique used for root coverage so as to increase the inadequate keratinized tissue. The donor tissue is most frequently taken from the palate and generally the donor site is not covered or protected. Platelet rich fibrin is one of the good option for the wound coverage of donor site after free gingival graft so as to reduce the pain perception to patient and faster wound healing. The case report includes two cases with gingival recession, treated on the same day with free gingival graft with the use of platelet rich fibrin in the donor site in case 1 and without platelet rich fibrin in case 2 respectively which were compared for pain perception and wound healing postoperatively at 24 hours, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days and 14 days. There was less pain perception and discomfort in the donor site with the use of platelet rich fibrin and enhanced healing compared to donor site without platelet rich fibrin. Keywords: Donor site; free gingival graft; platelet rich fibrin.

Gluteal augmentation has gained popularity. It might be the only option to increase volume for lean patients without donor tissue for grafting. Subfascial augmentation is a safe treatment with low morbidity when performed in an appropriate setting with the right equipment. It is an anatomically based procedure. It is very important that pocket dissection is limited to the anatomic landmarks. Implants should be placed vertically to allow for proper contouring. The wound should never be closed with tension. One of the most important steps is postoperative care, which should avoid any pressure on the buttocks and stress on the wound.

Paramedian forehead and melolabial flaps are the most common examples of interpolated flaps used by facial plastic surgeons and are excellent options for reconstruction of the midface after Mohs surgery. They provide superior tissue match in terms of thickness, texture, and color, while leaving minimal defects at the tissue donor sites. The main advantage of interpolated flaps is the robust blood supply, which can be either axial of randomly based, and the maintenance of the integrity of facial landmarks. The main disadvantage is the frequent need for a multistage procedure, which eliminates some patients from consideration.

Purpose: To compare the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) with conjunctival-limbal autologous transplantation (CLAU) in severe unilateral ocular chemical burns. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients of unilateral chronic ocular burns with more than 270° limbal stem cell deficiency and a healthy fellow eye were divided into two groups – ten patients of Group A underwent SLET while ten patients of Group B were operated for CLAU. Patients were followed up for 6 months and assessed for a stable epithelialized ocular surface, extent of reduction in vascularization and forniceal reconstruction, improvement in corneal clarity and visual acuity. Results: A stable epithelialized corneal surface was obtained in all patients, with a significant reduction in the mean clock hours of vascularization in both the groups (P < 0.001). The mean symblepharon score showed a statistically significant reduction from 1.80 ± 1.14 to 0.30 ± 0.63 in Group A and 1.70 ± 1.06 to 0.15 ± 0.24 in Group B at 6 months. Corneal clarity, as well as best-corrected visual acuity, showed a statistically significant improvement in both the groups. Conclusion: Both the procedures, SLET and CLAU, were equally effective in achieving a stable ocular surface, forniceal reconstruction, and regression of corneal vascularization. The requirement of minimal donor tissue in SLET makes it a preferred option over CLAU in cases of uniocular chronic ocular burns.

Purpose To describe a novel lamellar dissection technique for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft preparation, and to evaluate the rate of endothelial cell loss (ECL) and graft preparation failure associated with this technique. Methods We conducted an ex vivo laboratory-based study comparing ECL between the lamellar dissection and peeling techniques. Eight pairs of human donor corneas underwent calcein acetoxymethyl staining-all right eyes underwent the peeling technique and all left eyes underwent the lamellar dissection technique. ECL was quantified by image analysis with trainable segmentation software and compared between groups. We also conducted a retrospective analysis of 161 consecutive DMEK graft preparations by a single surgeon using the lamellar dissection technique from 2010 to 2018. Data on donor characteristics and graft preparation failures were obtained. Results Baseline donor characteristics were comparable in both arms of the laboratory-based study. Mean (SD) ECL with the lamellar dissection and peeling techniques was 13.8% (4.2%) and 11.2% (6.1%), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two (P = 0.327). In the clinical series, there were 2 graft preparation failures in 161 cases (1.2%). Among cases performed on diabetic donor tissue, the rate of graft preparation failure was 4.7%. Conclusions The lamellar dissection technique has a similar rate of ECL compared with the peeling technique for DMEK graft preparation. This technique also has a low rate of graft preparation failure and may be a useful technique for diabetic donor tissue.

Objective To evaluate early in vivo corneal wound healing findings after Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) by using in vivo confocal microscopy. Method A total of 15 eyes of 15 patients were included. In vivo confocal microscopy (Confoscan 4, Fortune Technologies, Italy) was performed from 4 to 7 weeks after DSAEK. Measurements were scanned from the corneal endothelium to the corneal surface with a Navis® software (NIDEK, Multi-Instrument Diagnostic System, Japan). Results Donor-receptor interface was found in an average of 114 ± 12.4 microns. Corneal stromal folds were observed from 111.1 ± 3.5 microns from the endothelium to 286 ± 94 microns (mean 175 ± 90.5 microns of the corneal stroma). Keratocites were activated in the donor tissue from 12 ± 1.4 microns from the endothelium to 105 ± 38.2 microns (mean 93 ± 36.9 microns of the corneal stroma). Conclusions Donor keratocites are activated up to 7 weeks after DSAEK. Several corneal folds are present in proximity to the donor-receptor interface after DSAEK. Further evaluation of these findings is justified to determine its clinical significance.

PurposeTo compare amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) associated with narrow-strip conjunctival autograft vs conjunctival autograft alone for the treatment of recurrent pterygium.MethodsIn this prospective consecutive interventional study, patients with recurrent pterygium were randomly divided into one of 2 groups; group 1: patients undergoing AMT associated with autologous conjunctival graft; and group 2: patients undergoing conjunctival autograft alone.ResultsOf the 80 operated eyes included in this study, 39 (group 1, mean patient age 52.1 ± 11.7 SD years) underwent AMT associated with narrow-strip conjunctival autograft and 41 (group 2, mean patient age 45.8 ± 12.9 SD years) underwent conjunctival autograft alone. In group 1, 6 eyes (15.4%) had grade 1 pterygium, 19 eyes (48.7%) had grade 2 pterygium, and 14 eyes (35.9%) had grade 3 pterygium. In the second group, 5 eyes (12.2%) had grade 1 pterygium, 18 eyes (43.9%) had grade 2 pterygium, and 14 eyes (35.9%) had grade 3 pterygium. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups (p = 0.752). Of the 39 eyes in group 1, recurrent pterygium was observed in 7 cases (17.9%). However, of the 41 eyes in group 2, recurrent pterygium was observed in only 4 cases (9.75%). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups (p = 0.2684).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that conjunctival autograft alone might be a better surgical choice for the treatment of recurrent pterygia than combining it with AMT; however, this second option provides a good surgical alternative in cases where little conjunctival donor tissue is available.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical impact of implanting donor tissue torn during preparation for the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty procedure. METHODS In this single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive cases, 10 cases with torn donor tissue from one surgeon's caseload of 175 procedures were analyzed and compared with control cases. Best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density of the donor tissue measured by specular microscopy, and the recipient's central corneal thickness were recorded preoperatively and again 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS In the torn graft group, mean central corneal thickness decreased from 660 ± 81 μm preoperatively to 520 ± 36 μm at 6 months after surgery. central corneal thickness was higher at 1 month but decreased faster between 1 and 3 months in the torn graft group compared with the controls (-86 ± 50.2 μm and -12.6 ± 25.5 μm, respectively, P = 0.04). Best-corrected visual acuity in the torn graft group was 0.25 ± 0.23 logMAR, 0.21 ± 0.20 logMAR, and 0.16 ± 0.16, respectively, at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery with no significant differences found when compared with controls. The percent endothelial cell loss between the preoperative and 1-month postoperative values was significantly higher in the torn graft group than in the controls (32.3% and 24.6%, respectively, P = 0.04) but was identical at 6 months (35.7% in the torn graft group and 34.8% in the control group). CONCLUSIONS Anatomical recovery was shown to be slower in patients who received torn donor tissue, but long-term clinical outcomes were similar in both groups.

PURPOSE The outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) were compared using local corneas obtained at the same hospital in which they were transplanted with corneas obtained from the United States and grafted at the Jordan University Hospital. METHODS A retrospective, nonrandomized review included the medical records of 484 patients who underwent PK at the Jordan University Hospital from 2007 to 2009. Patients with at least 18 months of follow-up included 71 patients in the local group and 75 patients who received imported corneas. Data regarding the preoperative vision and diagnosis, tissue characteristics, preservation-to-surgery time of donor tissue on graft survival, and postoperative outcomes were collected. RESULTS One hundred forty-six patients (mean age, 31.8 yrs ± 18.3 SD; range, 13-80 yrs) were included. Ninety-three (63.7%) patients were men. The most common indications for PK were keratoconus (67.8%) and corneal opacity (11%). Both groups were similar in age, indications, and outcomes. The success rates for PK after 18 months were 86% and 88% in the local and imported cornea groups, respectively; the difference between them did not reach significance (P = 0.196). The only significant (P < 0.001) factor was a longer preservation-to-surgery time in the imported group (8.6 ± 2.9 d) compared with the local group (4.5 ± 2.2 d). CONCLUSIONS The success rate for PK remains relatively high (average, 87%) with both local and imported corneas. Despite the longer preservation-to-surgery time and older donor age for the imported corneas, no significant difference in graft outcomes was seen between the 2 groups.

Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue has become an essential part of the breast cancer patient care algorithm, with the abdomen being the most common tissue donor site. However, within this field, the technology and surgical techniques available to the reconstructive breast surgeon have evolved over time. This review aims to summarize the literature surrounding current techniques in microsurgical breast reconstruction including the use of alternative, nonabdominal flaps.

Closure of large wounds may require full‐thickness skin grafts, but their use is burdened by donor tissue availability and morbidity; the use of the purse string technique is an elegant way to overcome this problem. The study highlights the gain in terms of graft donor site morbidity and oncological radicality. The study included a group of 47 patients who underwent surgical excision for skin cancer and whose wounds were covered using a purse string suture and a skin graft. Radius of the defect left was measured after the lesion's excision and after the purse string suture. Thereafter, the difference between the initial defect area and the area after purse string suture was calculated. Initial defects ranged from 3.85 to 61.5 cm(2). After skin graft, the purse string suture ranged between 2.2 and 40 cm(2) (mean area = 14 cm(2)). Gained area before the graft measured from 1.3 to 21.5 cm(2) (mean gained area = 7.1 cm(2)). Average reduction was 33%. The technique allows a reduction of the size of the area to be grafted and the skin graft donor area, thus increasing the possibility of the feasibility of full‐thickness grafts. In addition, it allows an optimal observation both of the area of tumour excision and margins during follow‐up controls.

INTRODUCTION: For slim patients eligible to breast reconstruction, clinical concerns exist on availability of adequate amount of donor tissue to restore breast volume and challenges in donor-site c ...

Purpose With increasing time, epithelial defects (EDs) develop in virtually all corneas stored in corneal storage media. Optisol GS and Life 4°C are commonly available intermediate storage media used for corneal storage before keratoplasty. Epithelial preservation capabilities of Life 4°C and Optisol GS are compared in this study. Methods Nine pairs of human corneas were harvested, and 1 cornea of each pair was stored in Optisol GS and the other was stored in Life 4°C. The size and frequency of EDs of corneas stored in Optisol GS and Life 4°C were measured over time within the chambers using a backlit approach for 14 to 17 days of storage. Results At poststorage days 4, 8, and 12, there were no statistical differences in the percent change in the area of the ED between both groups. Of corneas without initial EDs, 6 of 7 (85.7%) stored in Optisol GS and 5 of 8 (62.5%) stored in Life 4°C developed an ED by the end of the assessment period. At the end of the observation period, there was no significant difference in the change in the percent area of the ED between corneas stored in Optisol GS and Life 4°C [4.3% ± 6.6% and 2.1% ± 2.6%, respectively (P = 0.38)]. Conclusions Optisol GS and Life 4°C storage media did not significantly differ in their abilities to preserve the corneal epithelium of the donor tissue for up to 17 days. Most corneas stored in both cold-storage media developed EDs within the 14-day observation period.

To address the growing need for corneal transplants two main approaches are being pursued: allogenic and synthetic materials. Allogenic tissue from human donors is currently the preferred choice; however, there is a worldwide shortage in donated corneal tissue. In addition, tissue rejection often limits the long-term success of this approach. Alternatively, synthetic homologs to donor corneal grafts are primarily considered temporary replacements until suitable donor tissue becomes available, as they result in a high incidence of graft failure. Tissue engineered cornea analogs would provide effective cornea tissue substitutes and alternatives to address the need to reduce animal testing of commercial products. Recent progress toward these needs is reviewed here, along with future perspectives.

Purpose To compare corneal graft survival using tissue from diabetic and nondiabetic donors in patients undergoing initial Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Methods A retrospective chart review of pseudophakic eyes that underwent DSAEK or PKP was performed. The primary outcome measure was graft failure. Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to compare diabetic versus nondiabetic donor tissue for all keratoplasty cases. Results A total of 183 eyes (136 DSAEK, 47 PKP) were included in the statistical analysis. Among 24 procedures performed using diabetic donor tissue, there were 4 cases (16.7%) of graft failure (3 DSAEK, 1 PKP), and among 159 procedures performed using nondiabetic donor tissue, there were 18 cases (11.3%) of graft failure (12 DSAEK, 6 PKP). Cox proportional hazard ratio of graft failure for all cases comparing diabetic with nondiabetic donor tissue was 1.69, but this difference was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval, 0.56-5.06; P = 0.348). There were no significant differences in Kaplan-Meier curves comparing diabetic with nondiabetic donor tissue for all cases (P = 0.380). Statistical analysis of graft failure by donor diabetes status within each procedure type was not possible because of the small number of graft failure events involving diabetic tissue. Conclusions We found similar rates of graft failure in all keratoplasty cases when comparing tissue from diabetic and nondiabetic donors, but further investigation is needed to determine whether diabetic donor tissue results in different graft failure rates after DSAEK compared with PKP.

Background Prefabricated flaps are an ideal alternative to repair massive and complex tissue defects. Nevertheless, the risk of necrosis due to unpredictable blood supplies is a major obstacle to the application of prefabricated flaps. The survival of a prefabricated flap depends on the neovascularization between the vascular carrier and the donor tissue. Here, we proposed that the iron chelator, desferrioxamine (DFX), owned therapeutic effects that promoted the neovascularization of prefabricated flaps. Methods An abdominal prefabricated flap model was created in rats via a 2-stage operation. The rats were allocated into 4 groups as follows: 2 groups of rats received DFX treatments during the first or the second stage of the operation, respectively; 1 group of rats received a delay procedure 1 week before the second operation; and the final group was used as a blank control. Flap survival rates and capillary densities were evaluated between groups. The influence of DFX on the dermal fibroblasts was also studied in vitro. Results Desferrioxamine treatment during the first stage of the operation greatly increased flap survival rate compared to the blank control. The results were similar to those produced by the delay treatment. The vessel count results were consistent with the flap survival rate findings. In vitro, DFX treatment up-regulated the expression levels of several angiogenic factors in the dermal fibroblasts. Nevertheless, DFX treatment during the second stage of the operation was therapeutically detrimental. Conclusions The application of DFX around the time of vascular carrier implantation greatly promoted neovascularization of prefabricated flaps, but was therapeutically detrimental after the flaps had been elevated.

We describe a new method (intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty) to treat patients with pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). After a pocket is created along the marked margins of the thinned inferior cornea with Melles dissectors, a crescent of the same size is marked on the donor cornea. The epithelial and endothelial layers are removed, and the donor tissue is cut in a crescentic shape in the size of the marked corneal pocket. The donor crescentic stroma is then inserted into the stromal pocket. The technique was performed in 10 eyes of 10 patients with PMD. The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities had significantly improved after 6 months. The cylinder was significantly reduced after 1 month and this was maintained up to 3 months of follow-up. Intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty appeared to be effective in the treatment of PMD. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Introduction Postmortem tissue donation (TD) requires the establishment of strategies for family approach to clearly explain the characteristics of multi-tissue donation. In a tertiary university hospital with a long tradition of tissue generation, we designed a survey to be applied to tissue donor families to evaluate global hospital care, care from Transplant Coordinators (TC), quality and content of information given about TD, experience, and motivations after TD process. Methodology A prospective phone survey of 10 multiple-choice items was conducted to all TD relatives that agreed to donate one or more tissues. Results From the 166 calls made to TD relatives, 75 (45%) were answered: 50 were cornea donors and 25 were multiple-tissues donors. None of the relatives denied participating, the rest were not found. No statistical differences in demographical variables were found between both types of TD. The hospital and TC care perception, the quality of the given information about the processes of TD, the postdonation experiences in terms of procedures, and the impression about body appearance for relatives regardless of the type of donation, corneas or multiple tissues, were evaluated as good or very good for most of the TD relatives. Our study showed that 83% of the family members would agree to donate again; 40% of the relatives were surprised to be offered the option to donate; 10% did not know if they would donate again. Solidarity was the leading reason for TD. Conclusion The relatives' perception of care is a critical component of the quality evaluation of the TD process. The global evaluation results support our strategies for family approach.

Background To evaluate main features of donor tissue that may influence clinical outcome or complication rate after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Methods Donor tissue parameters of 84 consecutive corneal donor grafts used for big-bubble DALK surgery between June 2011 and December 2014 in 84 eyes of 84 patients with disorders of anterior corneal stroma were correlated to clinical outcome parameters of recipient eyes 12 months after surgery and 3 months after total suture removal. Main donor tissue parameters included age), post-mortem time, overall preservation time, preservation time after split and prior to transplantation, and preservation technique. Clinical outcome parameters included best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD) and complication rates. Pearson’s correlation, linear regression analysis for clinical outcome parameter and logistic regression analysis for postsurgical complication rates were applied. Results Corneal donors were mean aged 67.4 ± 12.5 years with a post-mortem time of 20.7 ± 14.7 h and ECD of 2641.0 ± 362.8 cells/mm2. Overall preservation time was 16.3 ± 6.3 days. Recipients showed mean BSCVA 12 months postoperatively of 0.60 ± 0.36 logMAR, endothelial cell loss was 4 ± 16%, and central corneal thickness was 571.7 ± 54.2 μm. 3 months after total removal of sutures, BSCVA was 0.20 ± 0.10 logMAR, endothelial cell loss was 17 ± 24%, and central corneal thickness was 590.9 ± 55.5 μm. Loosening of sutures occurred in 20%, and Descemet detachment in 16%. None of the clinical outcome parameters or complication rate after DALK showed a significant association with donor tissue parameters. Conclusions Donor corneas, independent of excision techniques or preservation method, with donor age ≤ 88 years, post-mortem time ≤ 63 h, overall preservation time ≤ 14 days for cold storaged donor tissue and ≤35 days for organ culture, and preservation time after split prior to grafting ≤96 h, seem to be applicable as safe donor tissue for DALK surgery.

Purpose of review To review current surgical practices of lower eyelid reconstruction with a focus on recent studies. Recent findings Combination techniques and new flap techniques offer efficacy comparable with existing reconstructive approaches, with the advantage of less local trauma. Inappropriate handling of posterior lamellar grafts, such as kerfing, may predispose to graft failures. Modified Hughes procedure is a favorable choice for large lower eyelid reconstruction; however, it requires temporary eye closure. Other surgical options have been developed to achieve a 1-stage procedure without the need of eye closure. These include the Smith-modified Kuhnt-Szymanowski procedure and the use of flaps. For posterior lamellar grafts, both nasal septal and ear cartilage donor tissue produce esthetically and functionally satisfactory outcomes and comparable efficacy. However, the ear cartilage carries a lower risk of donor site complications. Summary Lower eyelid reconstruction remains a challenge, especially for large or near total defects. Recent studies have explored modifications and alternatives to the conventional Hughes flap. New surgical procedures give surgeons more options. Taking into account the growing spectrum of reconstructive techniques, an individualized approach may facilitate better functional and esthetic outcomes.

Transplantation of endocrine organs and tissues is often considered as an alternative therapy which has a number of advantages compared to regular injections for replacement of a missing hormone or another factor. During the last two decades, accumulating evidence demonstrates that adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that plays a pivotal role in the key physiological processes, and this raises a possibility of its potential use in transplantations aimed to correct inborn metabolic defi ciencies. In this review, we provide examples of the factors, secreted by adipose tissue, and which may be responsible for particular human pathologies when missing. We discuss practical aspects of fat transplantation, such as availability of donor tissue, its susceptibility to rejection, rationality of immune suppression, and possible ways to achieve medication-free tolerance.

Anterior donor grafts (including scleral rim, without Descemet membrane) increase in thickness and become hazy upon storage in organ culture (OC) medium. Transfer of these grafts to standard dehydration media just before transplantation does not reduce their thickness to normal. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of different media enriched with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as dehydrating agents for organ-cultured anterior donor grafts. Grafts were harvested and stored in the commercial OC medium ‘Max’ (without dextran) for 1 week, and subsequently dehydrated in the standard commercial dehydration medium ‘Jet’ (with dextran) supplemented with 4–20 % PEG3350, or ‘Max’ supplemented with 20 % PEG6000 and PEG20.000, or 5–20 % PEG35.000. Central corneal thickness (CCT), as assessed by anterior segment-optical coherence tomography, and transparency were evaluated before, and at 1, 4 and 7 days of dehydration. Transfer of grafts after 1 week of OC (average 1,200 µm) to ‘Jet’ supplemented with PEG3350 revealed a concentration-dependent effect of dehydration; CCT was restored to normal (500–600 µm) when 10 % PEG3350 was added. However, transparency was only temporarily restored; after 1 day, the grafts turned hazy. In contrast, grafts transferred to ‘Max’ supplemented with 20 % PEG35.000 were transparent throughout the evaluation period, but were dehydrated to beyond normal levels (average 300 µm). ‘Max’ supplemented with 5 % PEG35.000 dehydrated grafts to normal values and restored transparency throughout. Thus, dehydration of anterior donor grafts prior to surgery in dextran-free OC medium supplemented with 5 % PEG35.000 reduces graft thickness to normal and may facilitate anterior keratoplasty procedures.

We describe the use of the Endoserter, a single-use disposable donor tissue injector for donor insertion during Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Donor tissue is transferred onto the orange platform of the injector with the endothelial surface up, and the platform retracted into the donor tissue injector. The injector is inverted and the tip inserted into the anterior chamber through a 4.1 mm clear corneal incision. Continuous irrigation through the injector maintains the anterior chamber as the platform with the donor tissue is unsheathed in the eye. As the platform is unsheathed, the donor tissue is released from the platform and spontaneously unfolds with the endothelial surface in the correct orientation. In a retrospective review of our first year of use (71 eyes), we found that donor insertion with this injector was uneventful even during the initial learning curve and was compatible with a low complication rate and good graft survival at 6 months. Financial Disclosure Dr. Kim is a consultant to Ocular Systems, Inc. Dr. Khor has no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Corneal transplant is the most common solid tissue transplant in humans. Advances in microsurgical techniques, eye banking and the use of corticosteroids have improved the success of corneal transplants. Over 65,000 corneal transplants are being performed worldwide annually. Most of these transplants are performed in developed countries. Cornea is considered an immune privileged site. Despite this, immune mediated graft rejection is the most single cause of cornea graft failure and is one of the major postoperative complications. Incidences from as low as 2% to as high as 50% have been reported depending upon the degree of vascularization. Rejection involves donor tissue recognition and various factors may influence this rejection. Major factors include the antigenic load of the donor tissue; other factors include death to enucleation time, methods and temperature of preserving the tissue. Host factors that may impact the graft include ocular surface diseases such as dry eye, chemical burns and autoimmune diseases such as mucous membrane pemphigoid. Following infection, surgery or trauma, cells of the innate immune system invade the cornea as a result of up-regulation of cytokines, cellular adhesion molecules and growth and angiogenic factors. These factors results in neoangiogenesis and lymphoangiogenesis, leading to immune activation and graft rejection. The various immunological mechanisms that may play a role in the corneal transplant are discussed.

Here we report a case of endothelial keratoplasty with infant donor tissue obtained after brain death. A 52-year-old man with endothelial dysfunction of unknown cause in the right eye underwent non-Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (nDSAEK) with tissue from an infant donor (2 years). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Best corrected visual acuity and donor central endothelial cell density were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Infant donor tissue preparation with a microkeratome set at 300 μm was successful; the donor tissue was extremely elastic and soft compared with adult tissue. The central endothelial cell density of the infant donor tissue was as high as 4,291 cells/mm2. No complications were observed during donor tissue (8.0 mm in diameter) insertion with the double-glide technique (Busin glide with intraocular lens sheet glide) or any of the other procedures. Best corrected visual acuity improved from 1.7 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; 0.02 decimal visual acuity) preoperatively to 0.2 logMAR (0.6) after 6 months and 0.1 logMAR (0.8) after 1 year. The central endothelial cell density after 6 months was 4,098 cells/mm2 (representing a 4.5% cell loss from preoperative donor cell measurements), and the central endothelial cell density after 1 year was 4,032 cells/mm2 (6.0% decrease). Infant donor tissue may be preferably used for DSAEK/nDASEK, since it may not be suitable for penetrating keratoplasty or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

The nasal ala, critically important in the function and appearance of the central face, has significant reconstructive demands given the lack of suitable adjacent donor tissue that can be used to repair all but the smallest surgical defects in this area. Interpolated flaps from the forehead and cheek have long been ideal reconstructive alternatives for the repair of larger or more difficult alar wounds, and with the design and execution modifications described here, the dermatological surgeon can offer more appropriate restoration of this critically important aesthetic unit.

It is well known that patients with severe facial injuries accompanied by facial disfiguration are vulnerable to a poor quality of life. With the help of facial transplantation, it has become possible to achieve an optimal anatomical reconstruction. As compared to conventional methods, it can provide more desirable functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial outcomes. Face transplantation surgeons need to consider many problems associated with the criteria for selecting patients, techniques for harvesting the donor tissue, prediction of the expected functional outcomes, limitations in obtaining written informed consent for conducting the procedure, evaluation of the post-transplant immunological response and postoperative immunosuppressant requirements, psychological and social outcomes for the patients, and other concerns about funding and ethical issues.

The use of allogenic materials in reconstructive surgery is of great scientific interest due to high availability of donor tissues. The positive aspects of allogenous tissue transplantation are complicated by the histological incompatibility of donor tissue and recipient organism. This incompatibility results hypersensitivity reaction towards the allogenous transplant followed by rejection of allogenic tissue and even death in some cases. Cellular biological incompatibility may be managed by decellularization of allogenous organs and tissues prior to transplantation. The improvement of decellularization techniques will facilitate application of allogenous tissues in complex reconstructive procedures and significantly increase the capabilities of reconstructive surgery.Использование аллогенных материалов в реконструктивной хирургии представляет научный интерес ввиду высокой доступности донорских тканей. Сложность аллотрансплантации заключена в гистологической несовместимости донорского материала и реципиентного организма. Результатом такой несовместимости является реакция гиперчувствительности на аллогенный трансплантат, которая в итоге приводит к отторжению пересаженных тканей и даже к летальному исходу. Клеточную биологическую несовместимость возможно исключить путем децеллюляризации органов и тканей, используемых для трансплантации. Усовершенствование методов децеллюляризации и реплантации клеток позволит массово применять аллогенный донорский материал в сложных реконструктивных манипуляциях, что значительно расширит возможности восстановительной хирургии.

Objectives: Interpolation flaps are applied with their pedicle to import donor tissue from non-adjacent sites to the defect area. These flaps require two-stage surgeries, the second of which is indispensable. The interval between both procedures must be kept as short as possible. Following surgery, it is considered to be beneficial for the patient’s comfort to decrease the duration of hospitalization. Methods: We performed the interpolation flap procedures as a method for repairing various tissue defects in 79 cases both retrospectively and prospectively. Twelve of the cases were forehead flaps, 4 of them were Tagliacozzi flaps, 23 cases were abdominal flaps, 9 cases were cross-finger flaps, 1 case was a reverse cross-finger flap, 5 cases were Abbe flaps, 4 cases were tongue flaps, 7 cases were groin, and 14 cases were sural flaps. We checked the perfusion of the clamped flaps intraoperatively with indocyanine green. Results: We managed to separate the flap pedicle after a minimum of 6 days and a maximum of 14 days. Before separation, all flaps were clamped intraoperatively and if the flaps showed perfusion with indocyanine green, flap separation was performed. The sural flaps were separated after a minimum of 21 and a maximum of 24 days. In no case did flap necrosis occur after separation. No patient received physical therapy in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Some experimental studies in addition to clinical trials and our study all show that unnecessary prolonging of the separation time of interpolation flaps can be avoided.

We describe herein a case of an impending corneal perforation with a large descemetocele in a patient with previous penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) that subsequently was treated with an emergent lamellar keratoplasty using frozen preserved cornea. A 76-year-old male patient, who had a PKP, presented with a completely whitish and edematous graft accompanied by large epithelial defects. Although antibiotics and antiviral agents were tried for three days, the corneal stroma abruptly melted, except for the Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Cryopreserved corneal tissue that was kept at -80°C was thawed and sutured on top of the remaining Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Pathological and microbiological tests were conducted using the remaining donor and recipient corneal tissues. After tectonic corneal transplantation on top of a large descemetocele, a healthy graft and relatively clear interfaces between graft-host junctions were maintained without serious adverse reactions throughout 6 month follow-up period. Microbiological evaluations of donor tissue at the time of thawing and tissue preparation were done, and the results were all negative. Tissue that was taken intraoperatively from the recipient cornea also showed negative microbiological results. In conclusion, tectonic lamellar keratoplasty, using cryopreserved corneal tissue, only onto the remaining Descemet's membrane and endothelium in an emergent condition, was a safe and effective treatment.

Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) is a corneal surgical procedure that allows a selective transplantation of the posterior layer of the cornea. Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is one of the EK procedures in which the diseased Descemet's Membrane and the endothelium are replaced with a healthy donor tissue. To achieve this, the donor cornea is cut superficially from the endothelial side and the tissue can be separated using specific instruments like Pierse Notched, Acute or Fogla forceps. However, the pressure required to punch the superficial layer has always been a challenge and therefore a calibrated device to punch and excise the required superficial layer has been designed. This new model of punch will help to identify the peripheral edge of the DMEK lenticule which in turn helps to excise the tissue exclusively, further reducing the donor tissue wastage, as seen with the current tissue preparation methods.

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty is being performed in increasing number of cases each year. An adequate scleral rim on all sides is mandatory for the donor cornea to be mounted on the artificial anterior chamber for microkeratome-assisted dissection. Occasionally, the scleral rim may however be inadequate. The primary cause of inadequate scleral rim is poorly trained technicians in in-situ excision technique. Hence, we devised a novel technique for performing successful microkeratome-assisted dissection in donor corneas with inadequate scleral rim. A surrogate scleral rim was obtained from the donor tissue not fit for optical keratoplasty. It was then glued to the optical grade donor cornea that had an inadequate scleral rim either focally or circumferentially. The combination was then used for a successful microkeratome-assisted dissection followed by endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE To assess the influence of donor characteristics on the outcome of anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) and to evaluate whether corneal donor tissue considered unsuitable for penetrating or posterior lamellar keratoplasty due to poor endothelial condition may be safely used for ALK. METHODS Institutional setting. One hundred sixty-six consecutive ALK (166 patients) performed for optical indication in eyes with corneal diseases not involving the corneal endothelium. The main outcome measures were graft survival, early (0-12 months postoperatively) and late (after 12 months) annual endothelial cell loss, and postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity. RESULTS The average and extreme values of donor tissue characteristics were: donor age, 70.6 years (range, 28-88 years); organ culture time, 20.9 days (range, 12-35 days); graft endothelial cell density before transplantation, 2047 cells per millimeters (range, 100-3300 cells/mm2); and deswelling time, 2.0 days (range, 1-4 days). The average follow-up time of patients was 48.1 ± 24.8 months (mean ± SD). None of the donor characteristics significantly influenced graft survival or postoperative endothelial cell loss (early and late phase). Donor age >80 years was associated with lower postoperative visual acuity at all postoperative points in time (P < 0.05). At 3 years, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.44 (20/55) for grafts from donors older than 80 years and 0.25 (20/35) for younger donors. This result was shown to be significant both in univariate and in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Grafts from elderly donors should be discarded before ALK. Conversely, donor tissue with poor endothelial cell density (

Purpose To analyze the relationship between storage time of split donor tissue and outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Design Retrospective analysis of a nonrandomized, consecutive, interventional case series. Participants One hundred ten eyes with anterior stromal disease suitable for DALK and 110 eyes with endothelial disease suitable for DMEK underwent surgically successful split cornea transplantation combining both procedures within 7 days after splitting. Methods Split donor storage times (splitting to grafting) and total storage times (death to grafting) were correlated with the 1-year functional and morphologic outcomes after DALK and DMEK surgery using a Spearman correlation coefficient and a Mann–Whitney U test. Main Outcome Measures Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), endothelial cell density, and complication rates within 12 months of follow-up. Results The mean split donor storage time was 35±47 hours (range, 0–162 hours) after splitting for anterior donor grafts and 21±40 hours (range, 0–158 hours) for posterior grafts. The mean total storage time was 352±108 hours (range, 108–678 hours) for anterior lamellas and 339±109 hours (range, 96–630 hours) for posterior lamellas. One year after DALK, the mean BSCVA was 20/30 (range, 20/50–20/20), endothelial cell loss was 8% (range, 2%–16%), and the complication rate (Descemet's folds, epitheliopathy, loose sutures) was 18%. One year after DMEK, the mean BSCVA was 20/25 (range, 20/40–20/16), endothelial cell loss was 41% (range, 17%–63%), and the complication rate (partial graft detachment) was 62%. For DALK and DMEK, no significant association was observed between split donor storage time as well as total storage time and BSCVA ( P ≥0.409), endothelial cell loss ( P ≥0.236), or complication rate ( P ≥0.647) within 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions Anterior and posterior donor tissue may be stored safely for up to 1 week in organ culture before use in DALK and DMEK surgery. This simplifies the clinical feasibility of split cornea transplantation to reduce donor shortage and cost in corneal transplantation in the future. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Gingival recession is a complex phenomenon that may present numerous therapeutic challenges to the clinician. The laterally positioned flap is commonly used to cover isolated, denuded roots that have adequate donor tissue laterally and vestibular depth. Various modifications in laterally sliding flap have been proposed in order to avoid the reported undesirable resultson the donor teeth. Recently, use of growth factors has been proposed in combination withsurgical techniques. This article highlights the use of laterally positioned pedicle flap‑revisedtechnique as a modification of laterally sliding flap technique along with autologous suspensionof growth factors, platelet rich fibrin membrane (PRF) for the management of localized Millerclass‑II gingival recession. After 6 months of follow‑up, the clinical condition was stable with80% root coverage and satisfactory gingival tissue healing at both donor and recipient site withno signs of inflammation. An excellent esthetical outcome was achieved and the patient wassatisfied with case resolution. Key Words: Pedicled flap, platelet rich fibrin, recession, regeneration

To describe and compare 2 preparation techniques for Bowman layer (BL) grafts for use in BL transplantation.A retrospective evaluation of the 2 methods for preparing BL grafts was performed, that is, BL graft preparation from donor globes not eligible for penetrating keratoplasty or endothelial keratoplasty (technique I, n = 36) and BL graft preparation from previously excised corneoscleral buttons (technique II, n = 36) that could not be used for PK or had been denuded of Descemet membrane and endothelium for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft preparation. BL graft preparation difficulties were recorded, and the preparation failure rate was examined and compared between the techniques.Overall, BL graft preparation was successful in 51 cases (51/72; 70.8%), of which 25 preparations were successful using technique I, and 26 using technique II, representing a success rate of 69.4% (25/36) and 72.2% (26/36) for techniques I and II, respectively. Reasons for discarding a BL graft were tearing of the BL tissue during the preparation (n = 19) and stroma attached to the graft (n = 2).Isolated BL grafts can be prepared from both whole donor globes and corneoscleral rims with equivalent success. Preparation from corneoscleral rims may offer the advantage that, from one donor cornea, the posterior layers can be used for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft preparation and the anterior part for BL graft preparation.