Paolo Macchiarini affair

The Paolo Macchiarini affair involves a renowned surgeon who performed experimental trachea transplants using synthetic and stem cell techniques. While initially celebrated as a pioneer, it was later revealed that he falsified credentials, conducted surgeries without proper approval, and the procedures often failed or caused patient harm. Investigations uncovered ethical breaches, misconduct, and misleading claims about the success of his work. The scandal damaged his reputation and raised serious concerns about oversight in experimental medicine, emphasizing the importance of transparency, ethics, and rigorous validation in innovative surgical procedures.