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Chimp Victim Moved to Face Transplant Clinic
Facial reconstruction experts to aid woman suffering horrific injuries
By Rob Quinn
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Posted Feb 20, 09 2:15 AM CST
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(Newser)
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The woman whose face was horrifically injured by a crazed chimpanzee has been transferred to the clinic that performed America's first face transplant, the Stamford Times reports. The woman was in surgery for 7 hours after the attack on Monday and was still in critical condition when she was transferred yesterday, although her vital signs had improved slightly.
Surgeons say the woman is most likely being transferred to the Cleveland Clinic because of its expertise in reconstructive surgery rather than because a transplant is being considered this soon after the attack. "Priority one is to stabilize her," said a hospital spokeswoman. Experts say a transplant could theoretically take place within weeks if the patient agrees to the rare and risky procedure and if a suitable donor can be found.