Report of the Workshop on Xenotransplantation

Abstract

Although the basic concept and medical promise of xenotransplantation appears simple, clinical and scientific, realisation has proven elusive, with success unlikely in the near future. Speakers in this workshop discussed the current European perspective on xenotransplantation; the range of clinical protocols under consideration and the health problems they are designed to address; alternative approaches with an emphasis on reducing the need for transplantation, while increasing the supply and utilisation of human organs; and animal welfare aspects of xenotransplantation research and potential clinical applications.