Vascularized Composite Allografts: Procurement, Allocation, and Implementation.
Vascularized composite allotransplantation is a continuously evolving area of modern transplant medicine. Recently, vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) have been formally classified as 'organs'. In this review, key aspects of VCA procurement are discussed, with a special focus on interaction with the procurement of classical solid organs. In addition, options for a matching and allocation system that ensures VCA donor organs are allocated to the best-suited recipients are looked at. Finally, the different steps needed to promote VCA transplantation in society in general and in the medical community in particular are highlighted.
Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation, Deutschherrnufer 52, Frankfurt am Main, 60594 Frankfurt, Germany.
Axel
A
Rahmel
Allocation; Ethics; Face; Hand; Policy; Procurement; Transplantation; Vascularized composite allografts