Scientists have announced the development of artificial blood vessels now that are as strong and long-lasting as they are in the human body. That could make a big difference in the treatment of heart bypass patients, according to the results published in Advanced Materials Technologies.
The breakthrough was led by experts from the University of Edinburgh, who used innovative 3D-printing technology. First, grafts are initially printed from a water-based gel by the rotating spindle incorporated into a 3D printer. Then they are coated with biodegradable polyester molecules to produce strong yet flexible gel-like tubes.
The lead author, Faraz Fazal, PhD, commented on the potential of this hybrid technique: “Our hybrid technique offers several new and exciting opportunities in the creation of tubular constructs for tissue engineering.” Co-author Norbert Radacsi, PhD, added that the study resolves one of the longest-standing challenges in vascular tissue engineering: to create a conduit with biomechanical properties near or at human veins.
Unless healthcare professionals agree to switch over to synthetic vessels, many complications associated with removing human veins during bypass operations could be avoided, leading to safer and more efficient procedures.
The implications of this research go beyond heart bypass surgeries. To be able to build artificial blood vessels similar in features to human veins might revolutionize the treatment of different cardiovascular diseases and open new hopes to millions of patients around the globe.