OPTN/SRTR 2022 Annual Data Report: Vascularized Composite Allograft

Area of Science:

• Transplantation immunology
• Regenerative medicine
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Vascularized composite allografts (VCA) are complex tissue transplants.
• Data on VCA transplantation in the US has been collected since 2014.
• Previous reports indicate a small and consistent number of VCA recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and report on VCA transplantation data in the United States from 2014 to 2022.
• To identify trends in VCA donor and recipient demographics.
• To highlight unmet needs in VCA transplantation outcomes and standardization.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of VCA transplantation data from 2014 through 2022.
• Review of reported VCA graft failures.
• Examination of demographic data for VCA donors and recipients.

Main Results:

• The number of VCA recipients in the US remains small and consistent.
• Predominantly White males are donors and recipients for non-uterus VCA transplants.
• White women under 35 are the primary recipients for uterus transplants.
• Graft failure rates are low, with 8 uterus and 1 non-uterus VCA graft failure reported between 2014-2022.

Conclusions:

• VCA transplantation volume is stable but limited by sample size.
• Demographic trends show specific patterns for uterus and non-uterus VCA recipients.
• Standardization of VCA success/failure definitions and outcome measures is a critical unmet need.