Potential Breakthrough in Regenerative Medicine: Self-Growing Heart Valves Poised for Human Trials

Published 2025-02-01

In a significant advancement for regenerative medicine, British cardiologists are preparing to test revolutionary heart valves that grow within the body. Led by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, this innovation involves implanting a temporary valve made of biodegradable microscopic fibers that serve as a scaffold. Over time, the patient's cells integrate into this scaffold, forming a living valve that aligns with the body's natural tissue and eventually dissolves. This self-growing valve is particularly beneficial for children with congenital heart defects, as it can grow with them, potentially eliminating the need for multiple surgeries and reducing complications associated with artificial valves. Human trials involving 50 to 100 patients, including children and adults, are slated to begin within 18 months. If successful, this technology could transform heart valve disease treatment globally, potentially averting the need for recurrent valve replacement surgeries and reducing the risk of rejection. The sudy was published in as "Valvulogenesis of a living, innervated pulmonary root induced by an acellular scaffold" in the journal Communications Biology.