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Technology and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA)—lessons learned from the first bilateral pediatric hand transplant

  • Tissue Regeneration or Regeneration of Engineered Tissue
  • Review Article
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The reconstructive principle of replacing “like with like” is best met with vascularized composite allotransplantation in which the components of an existing defect are “matched” to the greatest extent possible in a single stage restoration. Hand transplantation is a labor-intensive and time-intensive process and can be conceptualized into distinct phases that include (1) patient selection and preoperative preparation, (2) technical execution of the procedure, and (3) postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up. The advent of technological innovations, such as 3D printing technology, novel implant technology, as well as innovative imaging technology, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging have the potential of favorably affecting all phases of this process, thus contributing to improved outcomes. The use of these technologies in the world’s first case of bilateral hand transplantation in a pediatric patient is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University, 770 Welch Road, Suite 400, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Arash Momeni

  2. Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Arash Momeni, Benjamin Chang & L. Scott Levin

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    L. Scott Levin

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  1. Arash Momeni
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  2. Benjamin Chang
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Correspondence to Arash Momeni.

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Momeni, A., Chang, B. & Levin, L.S. Technology and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA)—lessons learned from the first bilateral pediatric hand transplant. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 27, 161 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-016-5771-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-016-5771-9

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