Nation's Fourth Hand Transplant Performed at Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center by Kleinert Kutz and University of Louisvill...( LOUISVILLE Ky. July 12 -- Dave R...),Health

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dave Robert Armstrong, a 32-year-old Upland, California man has joined an elite group of men around the world by receiving a hand transplant today, July 12, 2008. The surgery was performed at Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center by Kleinert Kutz and University of Louisville hand surgeons.

The 14 hour procedure, which began at approximately 2:08 a.m. (EDT) today involved a six-member hand surgical team, with 12 hand fellows assisting and a two-member anesthesiology team. The recipient is listed in stable condition at Jewish Hospital. The group of surgeons performing the experimental procedure also performed the world's first successful hand transplant in 1999, the nation's second in 2001 and the nation's third in 2006. Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates coordinated the donation of the hands for all recipients.

A partnership of physicians and researchers at Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center, Kleinert Kutz and the University of Louisville developed the pioneering procedure. Warren C. Breidenbach, III, M.D., with Kleinert Kutz and assistant clinical professor of surgery at the University of Louisville, lead the surgical team. Kadiyala Ravindra, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at University of Louisville and Joseph Buell, M.D., director, Jewish Hospital Transplant Center, manage the immunosuppressive therapy for all the hand transplant patients. Anesthesiology Associates and Medical Center Anesthetists provided anesthesia services.

A hand transplant, unlike a solid organ transplant, involves multiple tissues (skin, muscle, tendon, bone, cartilage, fat, nerves and blood vessels) and is called composite tissue allotransplantation.

Armstrong, a manager at an automotive shop in Riverside, CA, injured his dominant right hand six years ago when a gun misfired. Armstrong's hand was replaced with a body operated cable prosthesis. He also uses a Myoelectric prosthesis. He has been independent in h
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