Ethics and the Future of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper seeks to identify and examine a number of ethical issues that persist 20  years after the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation was established. Reflection upon these issues will be essential if the field is to fulfill its promise.Recent FindingsA number of scholars, including the authors, have been involved in efforts to identify ethical issues in VCA. Meetings held in the US and in Europe have focused on ethical concerns related to procurement, risk-benefit, consent, and program standards, among others.SummaryImproving the burden and risk vs. benefit ratio, strengthening the consent process, employing a patient advocate, bringing greater clarity to donation policy, and improving data sharing are identified as major ethical concerns in vascularized composite allotransplantation.
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research