2023-08-13 13:44:42
Replacement of Veins: Scientists Develop New Method to Produce Artificial Blood Vessels
Melbourne (Australia) – A groundbreaking method has been developed by scientists at the University of Melbourne to produce artificial blood vessels from human tissue quickly and inexpensively. This new technique has the potential to address the challenges in treating small veins that traditional medicine has struggled with in the past.
Blood vessels play a crucial role in the human body by transporting oxygenated blood and essential nutrients while eliminating toxins. Malfunctions and diseases related to blood vessels can have life-threatening consequences, such as heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues.
In a recent publication in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers led by Daniel Heath detail their innovative method. They combined different materials and manufacturing technologies to create artificial blood vessels with complex geometries that closely resemble natural blood vessels. This breakthrough brings the medical community closer to a future where engineered blood vessels become a game-changing solution for cardiovascular diseases, especially for patients without suitable donor vessels.
Dr. Andrea O’Connor, a member of the team, highlighted the significance of this advancement in the field. This new technique allows for the creation of blood vessels from living tissue that possess suitable mechanical properties and replicate the cellular alignment of the innermost layer of natural blood vessels. It opens up possibilities for treating cardiovascular diseases and ensuring adequate blood supply to larger tissues.
Traditional bypass surgeries have long been used to replace larger damaged blood vessels. However, smaller arteries with a narrow diameter, such as the coronary artery, have posed challenges in treatment. Patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or previous surgeries have limited options for repairing these veins due to the potential risks associated with non-living synthetic grafts, such as blood clots and blockages. The development of tissue-engineered blood vessels using human cells and tissues now provides a viable solution for replacing small veins as well.
The scientists at the University of Melbourne anticipate that this new method will greatly benefit patients who were previously deemed untreatable or had limited options for cardiovascular damage. The artificial blood vessels produced through this technique have appropriate mechanical properties and mimic the cellular alignment found in natural blood vessels. This breakthrough not only offers hope for improved treatment options but also demonstrates the potential for a breakthrough in cardiovascular disease therapies.
Further research and development are needed to advance this technology and ensure its safety and effectiveness. With ongoing advancements in tissue engineering, the medical community can look forward to a future where the replacement of veins becomes a routine and accessible procedure.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c08511
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Date: 13 August 2023
Written by: Robert Klatt]
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