Artificial artery readied for human trials

Researchers in the UK are preparing to begin a human trial of a small-diameter artificial artery crafted from polymers. Up to now narrow artificial arteries have often failed to work in humans. But this new artery, developed at London's Royal Free Hospital, mimics nature and provides the pulse needed to avoid clotting. And the trial is scheduled to begin early this year.

"Many patients who have needed smaller bypass grafts, but have not had suitable veins, have had limbs amputated and some patients unable to have coronary bypass surgery have had heart attacks and died," Professor George Hamilton tells the BBC.  

The key to their success was delivered by new nanotechnology, which allowed the scientists to add molecules to the graft that would help avoid clotting while also coaxing stem cells to line the artery wall. The stem cells stimulate the healing process, further helping patients to recover.

"We welcome this interesting development which could potentially be of enormous benefits to patients who need a bypass operation to treat their coronary heart disease," said Judy O'Sullivan of the British Heart Foundation.

- here's the article from the BBC

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