Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health System has launched a hand transplant program, the first of its kind in the state.
Hand transplantation is part of the University of Michigan Transplant Center's new vascular composite allograft program, which refers to transplants involving multiple types of vascularized tissue such as skin, muscle and bone.
Although the health system initially plans on strictly offering hand transplants, the field includes face, abdominal wall and other types of transplants as well. The system is actively seeking candidates for the surgery.