London, Jan.03, (PRINTWORDS NEWS) In a latest development that can prove to be a major breakthrough in heart bypass surgery, British researchers have developed an artificial artery which has the ability to mimic the function of a natural blood vessel. Human trials of the tiny bypass graft is expected to begin this year and if the initiative turns out to be successful, it would mark a significant development in the treatment of cardiovascular aliments.
During a heart bypass surgery, a damaged blood vessel is replaced with a vein taken from the patient’s own body and at times plastic arteries are also used to ape the function of an artery. However, in a number of cases it has been seen that the patients do not have an appropriate blood vessel that can be used for grafting, which makes them more prone to heart attacks. At the same time, plastic arteries also do not turn out to be a reliable option as it leads to clotting and lack enough flexibility to match up with the rhythm of the heart. This is where the artificial artery is expected to play a pertinent role.
Professor George Hamilton of Royal Free Hospital, where the research was carried out said, “The new graft pulses rhythmically to match the beat of the heart. The graft material is strong, flexible, resistant to blood clotting and doesn’t break down, which is a major breakthrough.”
The artificially made artery, which looks similar to a small piece of spaghetti, is made up of a distinct polymer material that enables it to imitate the function of a natural blood vessel as closely as possible. The revolutionary device which has been developed using nanotechnology, consists of millions of innovative spikes that attracts the stem cells present in the blood. These stem cells then blend completely with endothelial linings of the blood vessels which prevents clot formation.
Professor Alexander Seifalian of University College London, who led the research adds that around 30 percent of heart patients lack the proper vein that can be incorporated during a heart bypass surgery. Thus, this ground-breaking invention is expected to be hugely beneficial for patients suffering from life threatening coronary heart diseases.
Meanwhile, the scientists have been granted £500,000 by medical research charity, Wellcome Trust to perform the first human trials, which is likely to commence later this year. If the trials emerge to be successful, then the invention would prove to be immensely valuable for many of the 28,000 British population who undergo heart related surgeries every year.
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