Composite tissue transplantation involves the transfer of multiple tissue types, such as skin, muscle, bone, and nerves, as a single functional unit, often used in reconstructive surgeries like hand or face transplants. This complex procedure requires careful consideration of immunosuppression, donor-recipient matching, and post-transplant rehabilitation to ensure successful functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Transplant rejection is the immune system's response against a transplanted organ or tissue, recognizing it as foreign and potentially harmful. It is a critical challenge in transplantation medicine, requiring careful management with immunosuppressive therapies to prevent graft failure and ensure long-term transplant success.
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a surgical procedure involving the transplantation of multiple tissues such as skin, muscle, bone, and nerves as a functional unit from a donor to a recipient, often used for reconstructive purposes in cases like limb or face transplants. This complex procedure requires meticulous matching and lifelong immunosuppression to prevent rejection, presenting unique ethical and medical challenges compared to traditional organ transplants.