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Scientists have developed a heart muscle patch that can be implanted in the heart to control damage and potentially eliminate the need for a transplant in cases of heart failure
This patch is considered a significant breakthrough for heart patients and could prove to be life-changing for those with heart failure. (News18 Hindi)
With the current lifestyle, heart-related diseases are increasing rapidly, leading to the loss of lakhs of lives each year. Once the heart is damaged, treatment becomes difficult and costly.
However, scientists have made history by developing a heart patch that can repair damaged heart tissue. This patch is considered a significant breakthrough for heart patients and could prove to be life-changing for those with heart failure.
According to a report by The Guardian, scientists have developed a heart muscle patch that can be implanted in the heart to control damage and potentially eliminate the need for a transplant in cases of heart failure.
While millions of people worldwide undergo heart transplants, there is always a shortage of available organs. Artificial heart pumps are expensive and carry high complication risks. In this context, the new heart muscle patch offers significant promise for alleviating these challenges.
Professor Ingo Kuchka of Göttingen University Medical Centre, Germany, explained that this is the first time a lab-grown biological transplant is available for heart patients, capable of stabilising and strengthening heart muscle.
The patches are created from cells taken from blood, which are reprogrammed to function like stem cells. These cells develop into heart muscle and connective tissue. The cells are then placed in collagen gel and grown in a custom-made mould. Once prepared, the patch is applied to a special membrane about 5 to 10 centimetres in size.
Scientists assert that these patches possess characteristics similar to those found in a young heart. When implanted, they strengthen the heart muscle.
The most significant advantage is that these patches do not cause issues such as abnormal cell growth or irregular heartbeats, which can be dangerous in severe heart conditions. The technique was tested on healthy monkeys, with no abnormal heartbeats, tumour formation, or signs of death observed.
The team also tried this patch on a 46-year-old woman with advanced heart failure. Three months later, her heart was transplanted, and scientists found that the patch had successfully integrated, with blood flow re-established.
The technique requires several months to implement and may not be suitable for all patients. However, 15 patients have already received treatment with these patches, and ongoing clinical trials are hopeful that the patches may significantly improve heart function.
