Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation for Multiple Extremity Amputations
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Summary
Limb transplantation surgery is the transfer of one or more limbs from a deceased human donor to a patient with single or multiple limb amputation. Hand transplantation is an innovative reconstructive procedure that has the potential to significantly improve the lives of hand amputees. The purpose of this study is to develop the best practices for multiple limb transplantation that will improve the outcomes of future limb transplant recipients.
Description
Limb transplantation surgery, the transfer of the limb(s) from a deceased human donor to a patient with amputation of one or more limbss, is an experimental reconstructive procedure that has the potential to significantly improve the lives of amputees. Limb transplantation is similar to face transplantation in that the tissues transplanted include skin, tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones and blood vessels. The transplant team at Brigham and Women's Hospital includes a wide variety of medical and surgical specialties. The team hopes to build upon the success of their first face transplantation…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 60 years. * Single dominant hand or multiple limb amputation. * Time elapsed since amputation more than 6 months but less than 15 years. * Patient has tried prosthesis without success. * Level of amputation anywhere from the wrist (or ankle) joint to just below the shoulder (or hip) joint, which should be functional. * Signed written informed consent. * Willing to complete psychological and social evaluations. * Willing to take immunosuppressants - drugs that help prevent rejection of the transplant - for life. * Willing to comply with extensive post-t…
Interventions
- ProcedureLimb transplantation
Location
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBoston, Massachusetts