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Kumnig M, Jowsey-Gregoire SG, Gordon EJ, Werner-Felmayer G. Psychosocial and bioethical challenges and developments for the future of vascularized composite allotransplantation: A scoping review and viewpoint of recent developments and clinical experiences in the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1045144. [PMID: 36591015 PMCID: PMC9800026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1045144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) has evolved in recent years, encompassing hand, face, uterus, penile, and lower extremity transplantation. Accordingly, without centralized oversight by United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) or European Programs, centers have developed their own practices and procedures that likely vary, and accordingly, present different levels of rigor to the evaluation process, internationally. The importance of psychosocial factors in the selection process and treatment course has been widely recognized, and therefore, several approaches have been developed to standardize and guide care of VCA candidates and recipients. We propose to develop an international multidisciplinary platform for the exchange of expertise that includes clinical, patient, and research perspectives. Patient perspectives would derive from peer education and the assessment of patient-reported outcomes. To establish a foundation for such a platform, future research should review and combine current VCA protocols, to develop the ethical framework for a standardized psychosocial evaluation and follow-up of VCA candidates and recipients. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent results in the field of VCA, developments in structural aspects of VCA, and provides viewpoints driven from clinical experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kumnig
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Center for Advanced Psychology Transplantation Medicine (CAPTM), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria,*Correspondence: Martin Kumnig,
| | - Sheila G. Jowsey-Gregoire
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Elisa J. Gordon
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Gabriele Werner-Felmayer
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and Bioethics Network Ethucation, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Iltis A. Heads, Bodies, Brains, and Selves: Personal Identity and the Ethics of Whole-Body Transplantation. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2022; 47:257-278. [PMID: 35543469 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plans to attempt what has been called a head transplant, a body transplant, and a head-to-body transplant in human beings raise numerous ethical, social, and legal questions, including the circumstances, if any, under which it would be ethically permissible to attempt whole-body transplantation (WBT) in human beings, the possible effect of WBT on family relationships, and how families should shape WBT decisions. Our assessment of many of these questions depends partially on how we respond to sometimes centuries-old philosophical thought experiments about personal identity. As with so much in bioethics, it is impossible to escape, or at least inadvisable to try to bypass, the relevant foundational philosophical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Iltis
- Department of Philosophy and Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Zuo KJ, Gold A, Zlotnik Shaul R, Ho ES, Borschel GH, Zuker RM. Pediatric Upper Extremity Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation—Progress and Future. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-020-00297-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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The current outcomes and future challenges in pediatric vascularized composite allotransplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2020; 25:576-583. [PMID: 33044345 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the outcomes and future challenges associated with pediatric vascularized composite allotransplantation, including follow-up data from our bilateral pediatric hand-forearm transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS In 2015, the first heterologous pediatric upper extremity hand-forearm transplant was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and in 2019, the first pediatric neck reconstructive transplantation was performed in Poland. The 5-year follow-up of the pediatric upper extremity recipient demonstrates similar growth rates bilaterally, an increase in bone age parallel to chronologic age, and perhaps similar overall growth to nontransplant norms. The pediatric upper extremity recipient continues to make gains in functional independence. He excels academically and participates in various extracurricular activities. Future challenges unique to the pediatric population include ethical issues of informed consent, psychosocial implications, limited donor pool, posttransplant compliance issues, and greater life expectancy and therefore time to inherit the many complications of immunosuppression. SUMMARY Currently, we recommend pediatric vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) for bilateral upper extremity amputees, preferably on immunosuppression already, and those patients who would have the most potential gain not available through standard reconstructive techniques while being able to comply with postoperative immunosuppression protocols, surveillance, rehabilitation, and follow-up.
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Upper extremity and craniofacial vascularized composite allotransplantation: ethics and immunosuppression. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:681-686. [PMID: 32915212 DOI: 10.1042/etls20190060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is the name most often used to refer to the transplantation of anatomical units composed of multiple tissue types (skin, bone, muscle, tendon, nerves, vessels, etc.) when such transplants do not have the primary purpose of extending life, as is the case in the more familiar field of solid organ transplantation (SOT). A serious interest in VCA developed in the late twentieth century following advances in immunosuppression which had led to significant improvements in short and medium-term survival among SOT recipients. Several ethical concerns have been raised about VCA, with many being connected in one way or another to the limitations, burdens, and risks associated with immunosuppression. This article will focus on upper extremity and craniofacial VCA, beginning with a brief review of the history of VCA including reported outcomes, followed by a discussion of the range of ethical concerns, before exploring in greater detail how immunological issues inform and shape several of the ethical concerns.
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Rifkin WJ, David JA, Plana NM, Kantar RS, Diaz-Siso JR, Gelb BE, Ceradini DJ, Rodriguez ED. Achievements and Challenges in Facial Transplantation. Ann Surg 2019; 268:260-270. [PMID: 29489486 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000002723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
: The first facial transplantation in 2005 ushered in a new era in reconstructive surgery, offering new possibilities for the repair of severe disfigurements previously limited by conventional techniques. Advances in allograft design, computerized preoperative planning, surgical technique, and postoperative revisions have helped push the boundaries in this new frontier of vascularized composite allotransplantation. Over the past 12 years, 40 of these procedures have been performed across the world, offering the field the opportunity to reflect on current outcomes. Successes achieved in the brief history of facial transplantation have resulted in a new set of obstacles the field must now overcome. In this review, we aim to highlight the achievements, major challenges, and future directions of this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Rifkin
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
| | - Joshua A David
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
| | - Natalie M Plana
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
| | - Rami S Kantar
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
| | - J Rodrigo Diaz-Siso
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
| | - Bruce E Gelb
- Division of Transplant Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Daniel J Ceradini
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
| | - Eduardo D Rodriguez
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health. New York, NY
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Vascularized composite allotransplantation in children: what we can learn from solid organ transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2018; 23:605-614. [DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Tasigiorgos S, Kollar B, Krezdorn N, Bueno EM, Tullius SG, Pomahac B. Face transplantation-current status and future developments. Transpl Int 2018; 31:677-688. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios Tasigiorgos
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Department of Surgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Branislav Kollar
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Department of Surgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Nicco Krezdorn
- Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Ericka M. Bueno
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Department of Surgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Stefan G. Tullius
- Division of Transplant Surgery; Department of Surgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Bohdan Pomahac
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Department of Surgery; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
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Abstract
On November 27, 2005, Isabelle Dinoire underwent the world's first partial face transplant in Amiens (France) after a dog attack had left her face severely disfigured. The abrupt surgical leap found the medical community and society unprepared to deal with the scientific, ethical, and societal implications of a surgical procedure that was striving to transition from sci-fi novels to science. Today, 10 years and over 35 transplants later, public opinion has become accustomed to the concept of "face restoration" through transplantation. However, face transplantation is far from being a safe "routine" surgery and the science behind it is still mostly unknown. Patients and multidisciplinary teams of physicians confront daily medical challenges, life-threatening risks, and personal struggle that only in part come to light. Could (or should) this be the laborious, uncertain, and high-risk trajectory of disruptive medical innovation? Over the last decade, some medical discoveries and surgical advancements in the field have been closely accompanied by partial regulatory frameworks, intense ethical discussions, and meaningful changes in social beliefs across cultures and continents. Yet, a very long way is to come and the questions we still have today greatly outweigh the answers we can offer. Here, we take the chance of the 10-year anniversary of face transplantation to reflect on the path traveled and to look forward to the challenges lying ahead.
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Siemionow M. The miracle of face transplantation after 10 years. Br Med Bull 2016; 120:5-14. [PMID: 27941036 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldw045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the 10th year anniversary of the first face transplantation, there are currently 36 patients worldwide, who are the recipients of faces coming from human donors. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Despite the initial debates and ethical concerns, face transplantation became a clinical reality with satisfactory functional outcomes. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The areas of controversy still include the impact of lifelong immunosuppression on otherwise healthy patients as well as the selection process of face transplant candidates. GROWING POINTS Other concerns include financial support for this new generation of transplants as well as social reintegration and patients return to work after face transplantation. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Based on over 20 years of research experience in the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation, and clinical experience as a leading surgeon of the US first face transplantation, this review will summarize the well-known facts as well as unexpected outcomes and challenges of face transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siemionow
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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Mukesh N, Bramstedt KA. Perspectives of US and Australian Hand Therapists About Pediatric Hand Transplantation. Prog Transplant 2016; 27:73-78. [PMID: 27881813 DOI: 10.1177/1526924816679837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric hand transplantation (PHT), an investigational therapy, was recently performed in the United States. RESEARCH QUESTIONS Perspectives of hand therapists about PHT patient selection (inclusion and exclusion criteria), team configuration, patient assent, and patient compliance were explored. DESIGN Quantitative survey. We used a research ethics committee-approved 18-question e-link anonymous questionnaire to survey members of the American Society of Hand Therapists and the Australian (AU) Hand Therapy Association for their perspectives on PHT. RESULTS All surveyed hand therapists work with children (n = 18 Australia [AU], n = 85 United States) and some had been involved in adult hand transplant rehabilitation (28% AU, 21% United States; P = .543, not significant (NS)). The US and AU therapists differ regarding their opinions on multidisciplinary team membership, smoking as an exclusion criterion, and risk of posttransplant rehabilitation noncompliance. DISCUSSION This research opens a dialogue on the clinical and ethical complexity of PHT, including team configuration, inclusion/exclusion criteria, the assent process, and rehabilitation access/compliance. Furthermore, international perspectives are informative as they highlight funding and access issues and can potentially guide global professional society policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Mukesh
- 1 Bond University Medical Program, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Face graft? Extrapolation of facial allotransplantation to children. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2016; 44:925-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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