Validation of Animal Models for Facial Transplantation Research

The development of consistent animal experimental models is important for continued research on specific biological and immunologic aspects of vascularized composite allografts. It is also important for the translation of immune regulation and tolerance induction strategies and treatment ideas from bench to bedside. The purpose of our study is to provide an outline of the use of animal models in simulated facial transplant surgery and to investigate the feasibility of animal model use.

The animals underwent hemifacial flap transplant surgery. The flaps were placed on the external carotid artery and external jugular vein of the donor animal. Twenty-one procedures were performed in 4 different animals (6 rats, 5 rabbits, 6 dogs, 4 pigs). Two experienced plastic surgeons and 5 students performed allotransplant.

All 4 models were suitable for facial allotransplant with different anatomic characteristics. Average feasibility scores were 4.8 for pigs, 3.6 for rabbits, 3.2 for dogs, and 3.4 for rats. Evaluations concluded that pigs were the most practical and realistic models for facial allotransplant training. Other models achieved validation thresholds.

This study is the first comparative validation assessment of animal models used in facial allotransplant. It supports the use of pig models for surgical skills training. Pigs were the preferred simulation models, while rats, rabbits, and dogs were considered inferior models for transplant simulation.