Psychosocial Risk Stratification in Upper Extremity Transplantation Candidates.

Background: Candidate selection for upper extremity transplantation remains an inherently subjective process. This work evaluated the effect that psychosocial factors have on outcomes, both to standardize evaluation of potential candidates and in optimizing these factors prior to transplantation. Our goal was to measure and quantify the risk that various psychosocial factors have on transplant outcomes.

Psychosocial predictors in upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation: A qualitative study of multidimensional experiences including patients, healthcare professionals, and close relatives.

Background: The impact of patient-specific psychosocial factors on functional outcomes after upper-extremity (UE) vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify relevant psychosocial predictors for success or failure of UE VCA in an Austrian cohort.

Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken consisting of semi-structured interviews with UE VCA staff, transplanted patients, and close relatives.

A Provider Perspective of Psychosocial Predictors of Upper-Extremity Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Success.

Purpose: We performed a qualitative study to understand the psychosocial factors associated with success in upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation from the perspective of transplant providers.

Methods: We recruited 13 providers actively involved in upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation. Participants included physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and research administrators.

Perceived Success in Upper-Extremity Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: We performed a qualitative study to understand psychosocial factors associated with perceived success of upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). We interviewed transplant recipients and their primary caregivers.

Methods: We recruited 4 upper-extremity VCA recipients and primary caregivers for 3 of them.

Psychosocial Predictors of Upper Extremity Transplantation Outcomes: A Review of the International Registry 1998-2016.

Background: Upper extremity transplantation (UET) is becoming increasingly common. This article attempts to collate data from cases contributing to the International Registry on Hand and Composite Tissue Transplantation (IRHCTT), define psychosocial themes perceived as predictors of success using statistical methods, and provide an objective measure for optimization and selection of candidates.

Methods: The IRHCTT provided anonymous data on UET recipients.

A Yorkshire swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) model for nerve regeneration and ischemia based on the sciatic nerve and femoral artery.

Animal studies are essential to biomedical research and the cornerstone is a reproducible animal model. While there are many reports on rodent peripheral nerve injury models, a large animal model is essential to confirm the effects of nerve regeneration over the longer distances of regeneration required in humans. Swine have long been used as a large animal model for other surgical and biomedical studies.