Facial composite tissue transplant

Facial vascularized composite allotransplantation has emerged as a groundbreaking reconstructive solution for patients with severely disfiguring facial injuries. The authors report on the first Canadian face transplant. A 64-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound, which resulted in extensive midface bony and soft-tissue damage involving the lower two-thirds of the face. In May of 2018, he underwent a face transplant consisting of Le Fort III and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies in addition to skin from the lower two-thirds of the face and neck...

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the first case of acute facial allograft transplantation (facial allograft transplantation) failure with allograft removal and autologous free-flap reconstruction. METHODS: A 49-year-old female patient affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 with a massive neurofibroma infiltrating the whole left hemiface was planned for FAT for the left hemiface including the auricle, all skin and soft tissues from the temporal region, periorbital and nasal region, and up to the perioral area...

Skin is one of the target tissues of rejection in face transplants and, because of its easy accessibility, has become the gold standard in the diagnosis of rejection. The allograft contains deeper tissues where rejection can occur, but samples cannot be obtained because of difficult access. Deep tissue changes were monitored on computed tomographic scans of the midface in six face transplant recipients with the help of image segmentation. The maxillary sinus was identified as a dynamic anatomical compartment...

Within the past two decades, vascularized facial composite allotransplantation has evolved into a viable option in the reconstructive surgeons' armamentarium for patients with extensive facial disfigurements. As it has expanded the frontiers of microsurgical reconstructive techniques, facial transplantation has come to garner widespread interest within both the medical community and the general public. The procedure has established itself as an amalgamation of the forefronts of reconstructive microsurgery, immunology, and transplantation science...

OBJECTIVES: The number of composite tissue allotransplant procedures is increasing and has gained popularity. As with other transplant procedures, early detection of possible pathologies is as important as clinical follow-up. The present study investigated the correlation between microRNA expression levels and clinical follow-up of individuals undergoing composite tissue transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole microRNA expression levels were analyzed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from preoperative and postoperative blood of patients who underwent facial transplant...

Malformations of the maxillofacial region has disturbing psychosocial effects and causes enormous socioeconomic concerns. The management of maxillofacial defects caused by congenital anomalies, trauma, osteoporotic fractures, periodontitis, or cancer treatment is challenging for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Numerous approaches have been recommended for the managing of these deficiencies. The traditional treatment for maxillofacial defects or their repair is an intricate process by autologous bone grafts from the scapula, ribs, fibula, or iliac crest origins...

With advancements in microsurgical technique and experience, face transplantation is becoming a clinical reality and acceptable procedure. Preparation of the maxillofacial skeleton and initial soft-tissue coverage for face transplant candidates is essential for optimizing the ultimate outcome by providing immediate coverage of vital structures, functionality, and a stable skeletal framework. We present our experience of preparing such a patient who underwent a successful face transplant, with an excellent outcome...

Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCAs) can restore fully functional anatomic units in patients with limb amputations or severe facial tissue loss. However, acute rejection of the skin is frequently observed and underscores the importance of developing tolerance induction protocols. In this study, we have characterized the skin immune system in VCAs. We demonstrate infiltration of recipient leukocytes, regardless of rejection status, and in tolerant mixed hematopoietic chimeras, the co-existence of these cells with donor leukocytes in the absence of rejection...

BACKGROUND: Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation (VCA) opens new possibilities for reconstruction of complex tissue defects, including upper extremity and facial transplantation. The main challenges in VCA transplantation are the side effects of long-term immunosuppression and chronic graft rejection. Translational preclinical animal models are crucial for VCA research to improve clinical outcomes and to study underlying immunologic mechanisms. Herein, we describe a novel, large animal, non-bone-bearing VCA model in inbred, swine leukocyte antigen-typed miniature swine...

Facial composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) is a powerful reconstructive option in cases of extensive severe facial injury and tissue loss. Despite the risk of allograft rejection and the post-operative need for lifelong immunosuppression, facial CTA can be used to restore the normal structural appearance and function of the face. Areas of socioeconomic deprivation and armed conflict zones have a high preponderance of patients with facial burns and other severe injuries. However, these regions often also suffer from lack of resources, expert surgical care and limited facilities...

The facial allotransplantation technique was first introduced to the general public in 2005. The definition of the face as a complex system of organs that perform social functions made possible the adaptation of this operation into clinical practice. The year 2010 was the starting point for initial research in the Russian Federation. Based on previous achievements and existing world experience in this field, facial allotransplantation was used for the first time in 2015 in St. Petersburg. The goal of this operation was to reconstruct a soldier's central facial area after an electric burn; he was injured in the military line of duty...

Without revisiting prior experiences, many deviations persist, frequently due to economic interests and many countries are relocating their trials to countries with less stringent regulations. It was therefore legitimate for facial allotransplantation of composite tissues to be the subject of ethical reflection.

PURPOSE: To highlight the challenges and lessons learned in tooth-bearing maxillomandibular facial allotransplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with ballistic composite facial injury underwent tooth-bearing maxillomandibular facial transplantation (FT) after informed consent and institutional review board approval. Patient 1 had undergone total face, double jaw, teeth, and tongue transplantation in March 2012. Patient 2 had undergone partial face, double jaw, and teeth transplantation in January 2018...

BACKGROUND: In immunologic research, mice have advantages over other animals, such as low costs, easy handling, suitable lifecycle, and adequate laboratory resources. However, mice vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) surgery is not popular, partly because of technical difficulties and high mortality rates. Our goal was to demonstrate a face transplantation model in mice that includes skin, mandible and oral mucosa. METHODS: We developed a new syngeneic face transplantation model composed of skin, mandible, teeth and oral mucosa in C57BL/6 mice...

Technical success has been achieved in several forms of vascularized composite allotransplantation, including hand, face, penis, and lower extremity. However, the risks of lifelong immunosuppression have limited these procedures to a select group of patients for whom nontransplant alternatives have resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes. Recent reports of facial allograft failure, and subsequent reconstruction using autologous tissues, have reinforced the idea that a surgical contingency plan must be in place in case this devastating complication occurs...

Background: Kidney dysfunction is a major complication after nonrenal solid organ transplants. Transplantation of vascularized composite allografts (VCA) has yielded successful midterm outcomes despite high rates of acute rejection and greater requirements of immunosuppression. Whether this translates in higher risks of kidney complications is unknown. Methods: Ninety-nine recipients of facial or extremity transplants from the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and the International Registry on Hand and Composite Tissue Transplantation (IR) were reviewed...

BACKGROUND: Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to human leukocyte antigen increase the risk of accelerated rejection and allograft damage and reduce the likelihood of successful transplantation. Patients with full-thickness facial burns may benefit from facial allotransplantation. However, they are at a high risk of developing DSA due to standard features of their acute care. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old male with severe disfigurement from facial burns consented to facial allotransplantation in 2014; panel reactive antibody score was 0%...

BACKGROUND: Vascularized composite allotransplantation offers a new hope for restoration of orbital content and perhaps vision. The aim of this study was to introduce a new composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation model in fresh cadavers in preparation for composite eyeball allotransplantation in humans. METHODS: The composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation flap borders included the inferior border, outlined by the infraorbital rim; the medial border, created by the nasal dorsum; the lateral border, created by the lateral orbital rim; and the superior border, created by the superior part of the eyebrow...

The aesthetic outcome of a well-planned and executed vascularized composite tissue face allotransplant is unquestionable; however, complete functional restoration is necessary. The authors studied the possibility of restoring tear duct function in face transplant recipients. They also examined the technical specifics and feasibility of incorporating a lacrimal drainage apparatus into facial allografting. The authors performed a standardized face vascularized composite allograft on 4 hemi-faces (2 fresh cadavers)...

BACKGROUND: In the field of vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation, the surgical design of facial subunit grafts is an evolving concept. The purpose of the present article is to study the possibility of dividing the historical nose and lip face transplant into several morphologic and functional subunit grafts, depending on their respective supply. METHODS: This study was conducted in 20 adult cadavers. The facial artery and its branches were dissected bilaterally in 16 fresh and four embalmed heads...