Regulatory aspects of VCA in Eurotransplant.

ABSTRACT

Vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) are a growing field within the area of transplantation. In 2014, the birth of a healthy baby after a successful uterus transplant from a living donor was reported in Sweden. VCAs are not specifically mentioned in any of the transplant acts of the Eurotransplant (ET) member states, which all belong to the European Union (EU). The Competent Authorities (CA) of the EU decided in 2012 that VCAs are to be regarded as organs. At the moment, there are no general guidelines in the ET area concerning wait list registration, allocation, procurement and transplantation, and also no regulations concerning reimbursement. To further develop this aspect, common policies and guidelines within the ET member states have to be developed.