Establishing a composite tissue allograft registry

Currently there is no international registry for composite tissue allograft s (CTA), but there have been discussions about creating such a registry. Th is article discusses the advantages/benefits, and disadvantages of establis hing an international composite tissue registry. It also looks at some of t he potential pitfalls that may hinder the long-term survival of the effort and makes recommendations as to how to avoid them based on the experience o f other registries. It is our belief that now is the time for the formation of a CTA registry. There is a strong consensus among the transplanting cen ters for its formation. If properly constructed, a scientific registry on C TA will be a true attribute to the scientific and medical communities. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.