Can Artificial Blood Vessels Improve Heart Bypass Outcomes?

Artificial 3D-printed blood vessels may improve heart bypass outcomes, according to a study published in Advanced Materials Technologies.

Experts believe that robust, flexible, gel-like tubes—created using a novel 3D printing technology—could improve outcomes for heart bypass patients by replacing the human and synthetic veins currently used in surgery to re-route blood flow.

In a 2-stage process, a team of researchers used a rotating spindle integrated into a 3D printer to print tubular grafts made from a water-based gel. Subsequently, the researchers reinforced the printed grafts in a process known as electrospinning, whereby high voltage draws out very thin nanofibers, coating the artificial blood vessels in biodegradable polyester molecules. Testing demonstrated that the 3D-printed products seemed to be as strong as natural blood vessels.

“Our hybrid technique opens up new and exciting possibilities for the fabrication of tubular constructs in tissue engineering,” said Dr. Faraz Fazal, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering and lead author of the study, via a press release.

Dr. Norbert Radacsi, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering and the study’s principal investigator, added, “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.”