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Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have successfully created artificial blood vessels using 3D printing technology. These new vessels closely mimic human veins, offering a potential breakthrough in heart bypass surgery by improving surgical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
The 3D-printed blood vessels can be made in various sizes, from 1 to 40 mm in diameter, making them suitable for diverse vascular surgeries and personalized treatments for individual patient needs.
Traditionally, heart bypass surgery involves harvesting veins from a patient’s body, which can lead to complications such as scarring, pain, and infection. While small synthetic grafts are an alternative, they often fail to integrate well with the body. The newly developed 3D-printed vessels provide a customizable alternative that could eliminate the need for additional surgical sites and improve long-term outcomes.
The researchers used a two-stage process to create these vessels. First, they employed a 3D printer with a rotating spindle to produce tubular grafts from a water-based gel.
Next, they reinforced these grafts using electrospinning, which applies an ultra-thin coating of biodegradable polyester nanofibers. This method resulted in artificial vessels with strength and flexibility comparable to natural blood vessels, suggesting they could integrate seamlessly into the human body.
This innovative approach not only holds promise for heart surgery but also opens up new possibilities in regenerative medicine by enabling the creation of complex, biomimetic structures.
The next step for the researchers is to test these artificial blood vessels in animal models. If successful, the trials will progress to human testing. The study's results could significantly enhance treatment options for patients with cardiovascular disease.
