World's first double arm transplant

Aug. 01 - Six years after losing his arms in an industrial accident on a farm, a 54-year-old man undergoes the world's first double arm transplant.

The man had tried and failed to use artificial limbs before he approached a doctor at the university clinic Rechts der Isar in the southern German city of Munich.

In the past, only forearms have been transplanted. But doctors warn no matter how successful the operation is, its future use may be limited due to the ever-decreasing numbers of donors.

Joanna Partridge reports.

Edgar Biemer, Emeritus head of the department for plastic surgery at the university clinic rechts der Isar in Munich.