'Mini-Hearts' Helps Faulty Veins Circulate Blood

Apr-02-14 A 'mini-heart' placed inside a vein to help push blood could provide relief for patients whose veins lack properly functioning valves.

The tiny device is formed in the shape of a cuff meant to be placed around a vein, where its rhythmic contractions help to drive blood flow while also preventing the vein from becoming distended. Since the cuffs can be made from cardiac muscle cells derived from the patient's own adult stem cells, there is no chance of rejection. The cuffs have been grown and tested in the lab only, but the research team hopes to conduct animal trials soon and attempt to grow the cuffs directly on the veins in the body.

Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the most widespread diseases, and is particularly prevalent in developing countries.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY]

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