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[Cardiac tissue engineering]
Christof Stamm1, Gustav Steinhoff
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Herzchirurgie, Universität Rostock. gustav.steinhoff@med.uni-rostock.de
Background:
Cardiac tissue engineering is a relatively new interdisciplinary approach to replace diseased cardiovascular tissues with vital structures based on autologous cells.
Various Forms:
This includes the re-seeding of decellularized allogenic or xenogenic scaffolds with autologous cells, the fabrication of organoids based on artificial, biodegradable polymers, and cell transplantation in solid organs.
Future Clinical Application:
Tissue engineering heart valves, vascular grafts, as well as transplantation of contractile cells or stem cells for myocardial regeneration are not far from their first clinical application. Even though the development of an entirely tissue engineered replacement heart is not yet conceivable, tissue engineering strategies will most likely lead to a significant improvement in the treatment of both acquired and congenital heart disease.