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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Transplantation of a 3D Bioprinted Patch in a Murine Model of Myocardial Infarction
Published on: September 26, 2020
Viable vascularized autologous patch for transmural myocardial reconstruction
Igor Tudorache1, Sava Kostin, Tanja Meyer
1Department of Cardio-Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
Summary
This study introduces a novel autologous vascularized graft for cardiac reconstruction. The graft successfully regenerated cardiomyocytes, offering a promising alternative to current non-viable patch materials.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Current cardiac reconstruction patches are non-viable, prone to infection and degeneration.
- There is a critical need for regenerative biomaterials in myocardial repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an innovative, autologous vascularized matrix for myocardial reconstruction.
- To evaluate the regenerative potential and efficacy of this novel graft.
Main Methods:
- Autologous small bowel segments (vascularized) were used to replace right ventricular defects in pigs.
- Grafts were revascularized by connecting jejunal vessels to the internal thoracic artery and vein.
- Histological analyses, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy were employed for evaluation.
Main Results:
- No postoperative complications like bleeding or graft rupture were observed.
- Newly formed cardiomyocytes (Nkx 2.5+, myosin heavy chain+) were identified within 1 month.
- Control pericardial patches showed only fibrotic tissue without myocardial regeneration.
Conclusions:
- A novel autologous vascularized graft was successfully developed for myocardial grafting.
- The vascularized matrix facilitated autologous cardiomyocyte repopulation and guided tissue regeneration.
- Preserved vascularity is crucial for successful myocardial tissue regeneration.
