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Science Grow a heart valve: An Australian scientist is ready
Science Grow a heart valve: An Australian scientist is ready | Grow a heart valve: An Australian scientist is ready |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Tuesday, 15 July 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 2 In the procedure, Morsi places cells from a human heart on a structure called scaffolding, which is a fabricated structure that looks identical to real human heart valves. Featured Whitepaper
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Science DiscussionsThe technique is possible because computer tomography (CT) scans are used to take images of natural valves, which are then converted into CT data within a computer-assisted drawing program. Fibroblast cells from a human heart are placed into the scaffolding, which is positioned within a machine that simulates human heart conditions. Dr. Morsi, states, “While we are creating this living tissue, we are subjecting it to exactly the sort of pressures it will be under (in the body), like the pressure of blood flow.” [Melbourne Herald Sun] Soon, the cells begin to multiply, eventually growing into connective tissue. Then, endothelial cells (which are cells that line all blood contacting surfaces within the human body) are added over the connective tissue so that blood clots do not form. The Morsi team says that its process should be able to duplicate a tri-leaflet heart value structure within twelve weeks using polymers and cells. This technique is being tried at various places around the world. However, the work by Dr. Morsi’s team is considered one of the most promising at being able one day in the future to artificially growing human organs. Morsi concludes, “If recent developments in stem cell technologies are combined with advances in genetic engineering, biomaterials and micro- and nanomanufacturing technologies, it is possible that the viable use of tissue-engineered, patient-specific heart valves will be a clinical reality in the foreseeable future.” [ARC] |
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