Tel Aviv Researchers Printed The World's First 3D Vascularised Engineered Heart

Looks like those predictions that scientists and sci-fi writers made back in the 60's and 70's, in their novels and research papers, are starting to come to fruition. Human technology is definitely starting to produce some mind blowing achievements recently.

This story came out back in April 2019 and I couldn't find a thread about it.

It seems that the day is fast approaching when scientists will be able to 3D print any organ. Amazing!

Even though this 3D heart is much too small to be used in a human transplant operation, the technology is currently being refined to make this a reality in the near future. Perhaps this new technology will eliminate the need for patients to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives, which is a great thing.

These researchers need to figure out how to get the printed heart to pump, using the brain's electrical signals. They say that within 20 years, it's very possible that a full sized 3D printed human heart can be created and successfully used in a transplant operation.

April 15 (UPI) -- Researchers at Tel Aviv University have managed to 3D print a heart using a patient's cells and biological materials -- a first.

Scientists have previously built synthetic hearts and bio-engineered tissues using a patient's cells. But the latest feat is the first time scientists have created a complex organ with biological materials.

"This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers,"

"The biocompatibility of engineered materials is crucial to eliminating the risk of implant rejection, which jeopardizes the success of such treatments,"

www.upi.com...

"We need to develop the printed heart further," he concludes. "The cells need to form a pumping ability; they can currently contract, but we need them to work together. Our hope is that we will succeed and prove our method's efficacy and usefulness.

"Maybe, in ten years, there will be organ printers in the finest hospitals around the world, and these procedures will be conducted routinely."

www.sciencedaily.com...

Put me on the list, they tell me the one I have is shot.

a reply to: shawmanfromny

Is a heart really needed ?

Tin man in Wizard of Oz seemed fine without one .....

; )

originally posted by: M5xaz
a reply to: shawmanfromny

Is a heart really needed ?

Tin man in Wizard of Oz seemed fine without one .....

; )

Yeah, it's kinda important.

a reply to: M5xaz

I reckon I'm as close to the "Tin Man" as you'll get.

I have a Heart that doesn't want to work, and a Device (Cardioverter-defibrillator), the battery is supposed to last for the next 6 years or so.

I saw that article last year and was under the impression that they had a printed Heart that actually "pumped" for a few days, though the size was "mouse" sized.

I'm hoping they develop something in about 10 years; I don't think I'll last for two whole batteries...

a reply to: shawmanfromny

impressive !

3D 'printers' are so amazing, I don't think the masses have figured out how powerful these machines are and will become, especially in the development of producing things that were once impossible. Can you imagine every home having one and being able to print items from home instead of buying them from a store?

I can't wait until they can print me a new face. I'm off now to see how that science is progressing.

a reply to: StoutBroux

Make em easier to use and get those sintered metal printers mainstream, and we quickly alleviate a lot of concerns of today.

I think most still view them in terms of something only scientists and corporations use..