Getting to the heart of tissue engineering

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2008 Mar;1(1):71-84. doi: 10.1007/s12265-007-9005-x. Epub 2008 Jan 29.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease affects 80 million people in the USA and is the leading cause of death. Significant limitations of current treatments necessitate the development of novel strategies. Cardiovascular tissue engineering is an emerging field focused on the development of biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. In this article, we present an overview of trends in the field and scientific milestones achieved during the last decade. Various 3D bioengineered models of functional cardiovascular structures, including cell-based cardiac pumps, ventricles, patches, vessels, and valves, are described. We discuss critical technological hurdles that must be addressed for continued progress and an outlook for the future of cardiovascular tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bioartificial Organs / trends
  • Blood Vessels / pathology*
  • Blood Vessels / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / surgery*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Transplantation / trends
  • Heart Valves / pathology*
  • Heart Valves / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Phenotype
  • Regeneration*
  • Tissue Engineering / trends*
  • Treatment Outcome