Services for associated testing and interpretation with results are widely available in transplantation of human organs but absent for xenografts.
While similar in nature, such as interpreting biopsies taken to diagnose rejection, infectious disease consults, or for other complications, the use of a pig organ creates fundamental differences.
Super-regional or national centers performing remote services can specialize and optimize this area.
The bulk of a transplant recipient’s life is spent outpatient managed by their primary care physician and specialists associated with the organ type (e.g. nephrologists, hepatologists, etc.).
Frequent lab tests are monitored to track graft function with the occasional biopsy or imaging study used to gauge the internal architecture of the organ. The transplant center is typically consulted regarding immunosuppression medication management.
Super-regional or national support centers can include services, such as microscopic evaluation of biopsy samples, infectrious disease or other consults for complications, and interpreting imaging studies delivered virtually by seasoned experts in xenotransplantation via telemedicine.
Focus at volume will help to generate expertise in a cost efficient manner and provide a support network allowing local hospitals to start a xenograft program without duplicating these needed services.