NEW HAND TECHNOLOGY

In a previous article entitled, New Skin, I discussed the use of a bioengineered skin called Apligraf on an eight-week-old baby. Well if you thought that was amazing, keep reading. Doctors at the Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky recently announced a successful hand transplant! Whoa, we're talking about an actual transplant and not an artificial hand.
The transplant recipient had previously lost his hand in a tragic accident. He had been fitted with a prosthetic hand but had not adapted to its use. Under most conditions, doctors won't attempt a transplant of a non-essential body part but the doctors felt that due to the age and health of the recipient the transplant could be successful.
The operation lasted approximately fifteen hours. Doctors had to attach bone, tissue, and blood vessels during the tedious procedure. Nerves were attached toward the end to make sure he at least had limited sensation.
Doctors noted that he would only gain limited use of the transplanted hand. Major motor skills may be developed but doctors are doubtful if the full range of minor motor skills will be developed.
Doctors noted that the recipient is being closely monitored to make sure that there are no signs of rejection. Should his body reject the hand, his immunosuppressive medications will be adjusted. The doctors must maintain a delicate balance. Not enough medication and the hand will be rejected, too much and his immune system will be severely hampered.
Prior to the success of this transplant, two other hand transplants were attempted. One was unsuccessful while the results of the most recent one are still being determined.