Scientists develop successful blood vessel implants in rats

Researchers in the United States successfully implanted a synthetic aorta artery in rats, a potential advancement in the treatment of severe cardiovascular diseases.  

Current treatments to repair blood vessels include grafts made from a patient’s own tissues or synthetic materials. The former has a significant failure rate, while the latter is limited to large vessels and prone to blood leakage and infections. 

Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine, Connecticut, used specific types of cells from rat aortas to produce synthetic ones in 3D printers for biological materials. This technology can be used for large blood vessels, such as the aorta, but also for small vessels. 

The printed aortas were successfully implanted in rats, which recovered and remained in good health after surgery. 

John Geibel, leader of the study, said: "This is the first step to get us toward technology in the future that will allow us to change how we help patients in a way that is dramatic." 

The study was published in Scientific Reports.