RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Xenotransplantation
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 12
OP 16
VO 42
IS 1
A1 Bigam, David
A1 Zhong, Robert
A1 Levy, Gary
A1 Grant, David
YR 1999
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/42/1/12.abstract
AB As transplantation waiting lists lengthen because of the shortage of donor organs, the death rates of patients continue to rise. Xenotransplantation offers the potential to solve the problem of organ shortage br providing an unlimited supply of healthy donor organs. However, there are several barriers to xenotransplantation, including graft rejection, potential xenozoonosis, physiologic incompatibilities and ethical concerns. Experimental xenotransplantation studies continue in several areas, ranging from tissue to whole-organ grafting. Clinical studies continue in the area of tissue xenotransplantation. Trials with extracorporeal xenografts in an acute setting to support fulminant organ failure are likely to begin in the near future. The reintroduction of whole-organ xenotransplantation must be based on sound scientific analysis with broad societal input so as to offer the maximal benefit to transplant recipients and their families.