Israeli researchers made history earlier this week (Monday, 15 April), when they used a 3D printer to engineer a heart made from real human tissue. The heart which is the first of its kind in the world, includes cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers.
“This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers. People have managed to 3D-print the structure of a heart in the past, but not with cells or with blood vessels," noted Tal Dvir, Professor at Tel Aviv University's School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, who led the project.
The use of a 3D printer to engineer a heart is a major medical breakthrough which has the potential to revolutionize heart transplants and the fight against heart disease. According to the
World Health Organization, heart disease is among the leading causes of death of men and women around the world, accounting for 31% of all deaths in 2016.
The 3D printed heart, created from a patient's own tissues and cells, can be adapted to the biological needs of each individual. This may dramatically increase the likelihood that a heart transplant will succeed. "Patients will no longer have to wait for transplants or take medications to prevent their rejection. Instead, the needed organs will be printed and fully personalized for every patient," noted Tel Aviv University in a statement.
While the first 3D printed heart is too small for a human (it's about the size of a rabbit's heart), it will be used for research to develop larger 3D print patches and hopefully in the future, full heart transplants. The TAU research team's next step will be to activate the heart's pumping capabilities in laboratory trials.
Although it will take a number of additional trials before the heart can be used in human transplants, Tel Aviv researchers are optimistic about its potential to transform the cardiovascular field. “Maybe, in 10 years, there will be organ printers in the finest hospitals around the world, and these procedures will be conducted routinely,” noted Professor Dvir.
Israel is both a world leader in 3D printing and tech-med, with
40% of 3D printers worldwide manufactured by Israeli companies and more than 1,400 Israeli companies dedicated to
life sciences. As technology and medicine continue to advance, Israel is proud to stand at the forefront of these industries and to work with partners around the world to create a safer and healthier future for all.