The UA's new Institute of Composite Tissue Allotransplantation will focus on hand, face, trachea, joints, and other composite tissue transplants , taking a leading role in clinical and basic research to advance the field. Dr. Breidenbach's long-term vision is to make our institute the world's leading center for reconstructive, plastic, and hand surgery by:

• Continuing the expansion and recruitment of faculty
• Engaging in clinical programs for hand transplantation by the end of 2011
• Launching a new program of breast reconstruction by microsurgical techniques
• Investigating facial transplantation by 2012

What Sets Us Apart

Our chief, Dr. Breidenbach, was a pioneer and remains one of the world's leading expert in this field. In the mid-1990s, turned his attention to achieving composite tissue allotransplantation. He formed a group of hand and transplant surgeons, immunologists, physical therapists, ethicists, psychologists and social workers who together charted the course of the first successful hand transplant in the world in 1999. 

In the following 12 years, Dr. Breidenbach guided seven hand transplants in six patients. He and his group devised innovative immunosuppressive medications (to keep the body from rejecting the new hand) and new concepts for measuring and monitoring rejection.

Make an Appointment

For the best surgical care in Tucson, Southern Arizona or the Southwest, make an appointment by calling  (520) 694-1000.