Scientists first printed 3D human heart

Heart disease is one of the world's number one killers. Many heart patients need a heart transplant. However, it is difficult for patients to find a suitable source of heart. Even if it is really encountered, the body often has a rejection of the transplanted heart.

But now, heart disease patients have new hopes. According to a study published in the journal Frontier Science, researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel have printed a human heart in 3D on April 15.

"This is the first time humans have successfully designed and printed a complete heart," Tal Deville said in an interview with CNN.

Unlike the previous 3D printed heart structure, this new heart has the structure needed for cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and other heart functions. But scientists still need to do further research to put this 3D printed heart into the human body. On the one hand, this experimental heart is only the size of the thumb. On the other hand, although it can contract like a muscle, it does not have the ability to pump blood like a real heart. At present, this heart sample is like a small aircraft that is fully equipped but can't take off.

But this development is still regarded as a major breakthrough in the medical profession.

During the experiment, researchers used stem cell technology to transform human adipose tissue into human heart tissue. The organization will act as a "bio-ink" for 3D printers, ensuring that tissue in the heart comes from the patient himself. Therefore, ideally, if the heart is placed in a patient who needs to be transplanted, the risk of organ rejection will be reduced.

"Patients don't have to wait for transplants, or take medicine to prevent rejection," the researchers said in an interview with USA Today. “The heart you need will be printed and fully tailored to each patient.”

Scientists believe that 3D printing can also be used to print other human organs. They foresee that one day 3D printing organs will become a daily medical practice.

"Perhaps within 10 years, the world's best hospitals will be equipped with organ printers, and these operations will be very common," Deville said.