Publications by authors named "Nicole G Sweeney"
Background: Facial transplantation introduced a paradigm shift in the reconstruction of extensive facial defects. Although the feasibility of the procedure is well established, new challenges face the field in its second decade.
Methods: The authors' team has successfully treated patients with extensive thermal and ballistic facial injuries with allotransplantation.
Background: Reconstruction of extensive facial and scalp burns can be increasingly challenging, especially in patients that have undergone multiple procedures with less than ideal outcomes resulting in restricting neck and oral contractures, eyelid dysfunction, and suboptimal aesthetic appearance.
Methods: To establish a reconstructive solution for this challenging deformity, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to develop the foundation to a facial vascularized composite allotransplantation program. The strategy of developing and executing a clinical transplant was derived on the basis of fostering a cohesive and supportive institutional clinical environment, implementing computer software and advanced technology, establishing a cadaveric transplant model, performing a research facial procurement, and selecting an optimal candidate with the aforementioned burn defect who was well informed and had the desire to undergo face transplantation.
Background: Cadaveric face transplant models are routinely used for technical allograft design, perfusion assessment, and transplant simulation but are associated with substantial limitations. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of implementing a translational donor research facial procurement and solid organ allograft recovery model.
Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained, and a 49-year-old, brain-dead donor was identified for facial vascularized composite allograft research procurement.