Pierre Delaere, MD PhD

Keynote lecture: Prof. dr. Pierre Delaere, MD PhD

 
"Tracheal allotransplantation: from bench to bedside"
This lecture is about the development of a research-based clinical program. Our work began in 1990. Wound healing mechanisms during laryngotracheal reconstruction and transplantation were studied in rabbits. This research led to the ‘tracheal autotransplantation concept' allowing for reconstruction of extensive laryngeal defects after removal of selected, unilateral tumors of the larynx. Research findings and clinical expertise in tracheal autotransplantation ultimately led to the first successful case of tracheal allotransplantation.

About Pierre Delaere
Pierre Delaere (°18/12/1959) is Professor of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Leuven, Belgium.
Clinical activities: head and neck surgery (involves tumor surgery of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and thyroid gland).
Research activities: since 1988: reconstruction and transplantation of larynx and trachea with focus on blood supply restoration to the reconstructed site.
2008: First vascularized tracheal allotransplantation (New England Journal of Medicine, Jan 14, 2010).