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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

A Modified Heterotopic Swine Hind Limb Transplant Model for Translational Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Research
Published on: October 14, 2013
Life underneath the VCA umbrella: Perspectives from the US Uterus Transplant Consortium
Liza Johannesson1, Anji Wall1, Andreas Tzakis2
1Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
The parallel emergence of uterus transplantation (UTx) and other transplantation innovations including face and hand transplantation led to the categorization of the uterus as a vascular composite allograft (VCA). With >60 transplants and >20 births worldwide, UTx is transitioning rapidly from a research endeavor to an effective treatment option for women with uterine factor infertility. While it originally made sense to group the innovations under one umbrella, it is time to revisit the designation of UTx as a VCA. We describe how UTx needs unique policy, procedural codes, insurance contracts, and educational initiatives. We contend that separating UTx from VCAs may become necessary in the future to avoid hindering the growth and regulation of this field.
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