3D-printed blood vessels offer new hope for heart bypass surgery

However, each option has its challenges. Human vein harvesting can lead to complications such as scarring and infection, while synthetic grafts, particularly smaller ones, often struggle to integrate with the body, leading to failure.

To address these issues, a team of has developed a novel approach to creating artificial blood vessels using 3D printing technology. These vessels are made from a strong, flexible, gel-like material that closely mimics the properties of natural veins.

The production of these artificial vessels involves a two-stage process. First, the team used a rotating spindle integrated into a 3D printer to create tubular grafts from a water-based gel. These grafts are then reinforced through a technique called electrospinning, which applies high voltage to draw out ultra-thin nanofibers. This process coats the artificial blood vessels with biodegradable polyester molecules, enhancing their strength and durability.

Tests have shown that the resulting 3D-printed vessels are as strong as natural blood vessels and can be produced in a range of thicknesses, from 1 to 40 mm in diameter. Their flexibility allows for easy integration into the human body, potentially making them a viable option for various medical applications.

The next phase of the research will involve testing the use of these artificial blood vessels in animal models, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute. Following successful animal trials, the team aims to proceed with human clinical trials to further explore the potential of these 3D-printed vessels in cardiovascular surgery.

Dr. Faraz Fazal, the lead author from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, highlighted the significance of this development: “Our hybrid technique opens up new and exciting possibilities for the fabrication of tubular constructs in tissue engineering.”

Dr. Norbert Radacsi, the principal investigator at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the broader impact of the research: “The results from our research address a long-standing challenge in the field of vascular tissue engineering – to produce a conduit that has similar biomechanical properties to that of human veins. With continued support and collaboration, the vision of improved treatment options for patients with cardiovascular disease could become a reality.”

The development of 3D-printed blood vessels represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiovascular treatment. By providing a strong, flexible alternative to traditional grafts, these artificial vessels could improve the outcomes of heart bypass surgeries and potentially reduce the risks associated with current treatment options.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Edinburgh