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In-body tissue-engineered aortic valve (Biovalve type VII) architecture based on 3D printer molding
Yasuhide Nakayama1, Yoshiaki Takewa, Hirohito Sumikura
1Division of Medical Engineering and Materials, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan.
Summary
Regenerative medicine successfully created functional, autologous heart valves using 3D-printed molds. These custom-designed Biovalves show promise for clinical applications in tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Heart valve disease necessitates advanced regenerative solutions.
- Current treatments have limitations, driving innovation in autologous tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel in-body tissue architecture technology for creating patient-specific autologous heart valves.
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of 3D-printed molds for heart valve regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D printer to fabricate custom molds for native heart valve geometry.
- Generated Biovalves from autologous connective tissue via subcutaneous mold implantation.
- Evaluated Biovalve function in vitro using a pulsatile circulation system and in vivo in a goat model.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 90% success rate (27/30) in generating Biovalves from autologous tissue within 2 months.
- Demonstrated excellent in vitro valvular function and durability (>10 days).
- Showed promising in vivo results in goats with minimal regurgitation and thrombus formation after 1 month.
Conclusions:
- Functional, autologous, 3D-shaped heart valves can be generated using in-body tissue architecture and 3D-printed molds.
- This technology holds significant clinical potential for heart valve replacement and repair.
