New 3D-printed heart valves could save children's lives: Montreal researchers
Researchers at the Sainte-Justine Hospital are testing what might be a major breakthrough in helping children with heart defects.
They’re using a 3D printer to make heart valves and in about an hour, the machine will reproduce something so precious. It has the potential to add years to a life and it's roughly the size of a raspberry.
"I really believe this is really promising," said PhD student Arman Jafari, who has found a new way to make heart valves with Sainte-Justine Hospital principal investigator Houman Savoji.
Using hydrogels — known for being compatible with tissue generation — the valve is produced in a 3D printer. Stem cells could then be harvested from the patient, put on the valve, and grown in a bioreactor before being implanted into the patient.
"So everything is personalized. We call it personalized medicine," said Savoji.
Currently, a damaged heart valve is replaced with one from an animal heart or mechanical valve but that comes with risks.
"When you have the mechanical heart valve, it might work for 10 years, or 20 years, but for that whole time you have to take anti-coagulation drugs, which can cause serious complications," said Jafari.
Another issue with traditional valve replacements is they don’t grow with the patient so multiple surgeries could be required.
"If you implant such a valve, you mostly know this will not last a lifetime, this will not be incorporated into the body," said Dr. Gregor Andelfinger, a pediatric cardiologist.
What’s exciting about the new technology is that it’s using the patient’s own cells. Early tests show there’s less chance of rejection and the hope is the valve will grow with the patient.
"The cells start remodelling or making their own structure and then this material disappears during time. And then the cells make their own structure and support and then they grow with the patient," Savoji said.
The next step is experimenting on animals and human trials could begin in about a decade. If it works, it could offer new hope to adults and children with heart disease.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Impaired driver sentenced to 7 years after double-fatal Cambridge crash
A man who killed two people in a drunk driving crash was sentenced Friday to seven years behind bars.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.