Experimental canine facial transplantation

Facial allotransplantation represents a novel frontier in the reconstruction of complex human facial defects. To develop more refined surgical techniques and yield fine results, it is required to make a suitable animal model. The development of a model of composite facial and scalp allograft in canines is more appealing: In large animals, canine facial anatomy is the most similar to humans; its facial nerve anatomy also resembles humans'; and canines possess the most similar facial vascular anatomy to humans. These factors led to the development of a canine composite facial allograft model.

Two operative teams performed simultaneously on both donor and recipient to harvest the hemifacial/scalp flap and to prepare the recipient to shorten operative time. The flap was harvested with the common carotid artery and external jugular vein and transferred to the recipient. After insetting of the cartilage, skin, and muscles, the anastomosis of the external jugular vein and anastomosis between the external carotid artery and lingual artery were performed.

The total mean time of transplantation was 5 hours ± 30 minutes. All of the transplanted animals were wreated with FK-506 [tacrolimus, 2 mg/kg] for 7 days after surgery. Clinical rejection response was also identified by close monitoring. Most allografts survived with perfect viability without vascular problems in the early postoperative period.

We documented that this model is well qualified in every aspect for use as a standard transplantation training model and future research work.