Irradiated homologous aorta in eyelid reconstruction. Part II. Human data.

Reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects requires a tissue substitute that is either identical to the tissue lost (i.e., surrounding or nearby tarsus) or donor tissue that serves the same supportive role. With extensive lid defects, at times an alternative tissue to tarsus may be required. Irradiated homologous aorta is available as a posterior lamellar substitute. It provides a structural framework for the surrounding lid tissues to grow on and is incorporated into the normal eyelid anatomy. It is available to the reconstructive ophthalmic surgeons as an alternative donor tissue in the presence of extensive lid defects.