An Israeli research team has developed the world’s first heart using 3D printing with the help of a patient’s cells. Even if there are already previously printed organs, this heart is fully functional in terms of structure and details. This development opens up completely new options for 3D printing in the field of organ transplantation.
“This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers,” – Professor Tal Dvir, University of Tel Aviv
Until now, it was only possible for researchers to print simple tissues without blood vessels. The development of the Israeli team exceeds all expectations with its model. They present a whole heart full of cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers. Tal Dvir continued that the breakthrough was achieved by using the patient’s own cells. It was these cells that made it possible to build up the tissues and organs.
Israeli Lab Creates 3D-Printed Hearts with Biotic Tissue (Source: i24NEWS English)
Until the technology is able to save lives, a lot of research work is necessary. The heart printed by Professor Dvir and his team is only as big as that of a rabbit. As the next milestone, the researchers now want to make the heart functional.
“The cells need to form a pumping ability; they can currently contract, but we need them to work together.” – Professor Tal Dvir
The 3D printed heart is nevertheless a medical sensation and paves the way for a completely new use of 3D Printing in medicine.
post picture: JACK GUEZ, AFP/Getty Images
