A Novel Application of Normothermic Machine Perfusion for Face Recovery to Reduce Intragraft Inflammation and Optimize Organ Viability
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) holds much promise to improve the quality of life for our Wounded Warriors who suffer from combat-related injuries. Face transplantation is currently the only treatment option to fully restore devastating craniofacial injuries with functional and anatomical equivalents by replacing "like-with-like" tissue. Recent advances in microsurgical techniques and immunosuppressive protocols have enabled wider application of face transplantation with highly encouraging results. However, the current gold standard in tissue preservation - static cold storage on ice - is insufficient to preserve facial allografts for more than a few hours. Advancements in the field of VCA regarding matching and allocation, desensitization, and potential tolerance induction are all within reasonable reach to achieve; these are, however, constrained by limited preservation time. Thus, this project applies normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), as practiced clinically in vital organ transplant, to the specific and unique requirements of the face to increase tissue viability and to reduce both ischemia reperfusion injury and inflammatory potential.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1161527
Entities
People
- Gerald Brandacher
- John Brassil
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University