Israeli scientists 3D-print a heart from human tissue

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true});

Spotted: A group of researchers at Tel Aviv University have used a 3D printer to create a cherry-sized heart out of human tissue. While 3D printers have replicated the structure of a heart in the past, this is the first time someone has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart, including cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers, according to professor Tal Dvir, who led the project.

The team took a biopsy of fatty tissue cells from the patient. That was turned into “ink” for the 3D printer. The result was a complete heart the size of a cherry. The technology to create a human heart would be the same, the team says. But scientists are still struggling to create enough tissue to print a human-size heart, among other challenges, like teaching the heart how to work. While the cells can contract, they do not yet have the ability to pump.

The plan is to transplant 3D-printed hearts into animals in about a year. “Maybe, in 10 years, there will be organ printers in the finest hospitals around the world, and these procedures will be conducted routinely,” Dvir said.

Takeaway: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. For people suffering from heart failure, a transplant is often the only answer. But there are few hearts available. The ability to 3D-print a heart could resolve that problem, though it is still years away from being available for human transplants. 3D printers continue to be used in fascinating ways to expand and improve upon currently available medical treatment options. Springwise has spotted the printing of tissue to replace damaged tendons and ligaments, and a handheld 3D printer that creates on-demand skin grafts.

Website: tau.ac.il
Contact: @tau.main

Published in: April

Source: New feed 1