A Patch for the Heart
ethz.ch
A new type of tissue-engineered cardiac patch could not only seal defective areas of the heart, as has been the case up to now, but also heal them. An interdisciplinary team led by ETH Zurich has successfully implanted the patch in animals.
  • Researchers have developed a 3D-printed cardiac patch engineered to match the mechanical properties of the heart and withstand internal blood pressure.
  • The patch encourages tissue repair through a combination of a sealing mesh, structural support layer and hydrogel containing heart cells.
  • This approach could make it possible to reinforce damaged areas of the heart after a heart attack and gradually lead to their complete regeneration.