Craniomaxillofacial Allotransplantation

This study is to perform facial transplants in patients with severe facial deformities or facial wounds from traumatic injuries. The transplant is to help reconstruct a person's damaged face. The aim of the transplant is to provide patient a more normal appearance . Additionally we aim to restore functioning, movement, and sensation of their face including that of the lips, mouth, and eyes.

There are some procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery that can repair the look of a patient's face, but often can't replace the movement and use of the face. Currently, patients with severe facial deformities would undergo several reconstructive surgeries with their own tissues, called autologous transplant. Conventional reconstruction method requires multiple surgeries in order to form and shape the transplanted tissue. Because this type of reconstruction is limited, it does not provide a reliable return in function, sensation, and appearance for the damaged parts of the face.

This study uses a composite tissue allograft , or face transplant from a donor who is brain dead such as in heart, kidney and liver transplants. The damaged parts of the face could return movement as well. Transplanted patients are required to take lifelong immunosuppression drugs which have risks, which are still a consideration when deciding to choose this option for correcting severe facial deformities.

We will conduct the surgery and prospectively follow the patient to monitor signs of rejection of the transplanted face. Additionally, patients will be constantly evaluated for clinical and functional outcomes and ensure that optimal results are achieved.