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New valves, made from fibers that act as "scaffolding," are designed to integrate with the body’s cells. Over time, these scaffolds dissolve, leaving behind a living valve composed entirely of the patient’s own tissue.
Professor Jacob explained that heart patients suffering from stiff or leaking valves, which increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, or heart attacks, currently have limited treatment options. Existing valves, whether sourced from cows, pigs, or human tissue, only last about a decade and can sometimes be rejected by the immune system. Mechanical valves, on the other hand, require patients to take lifelong medication.
He noted that children born with heart defects face significant challenges, as artificial valves do not grow with their bodies, necessitating multiple replacements. With the new heart valves, however, the valves can grow along with the child, eliminating the need for repeated surgeries.
Professor Jacob, who leads the project at Harefield Hospital in London, emphasized that these new living valves could dramatically improve patients' lives by eliminating the need for frequent surgeries and reducing the risk of immune rejection. He added that the technology harnesses nature’s power of adaptation and evolution, stating, "When something becomes alive whether it's a cell, tissue, or a valve it naturally adapts to the body."
Research published in Nature Communications Biology showed promising results in sheep, where more than 20 types of cells were found at the implant site after four weeks, mimicking a natural heart valve. Within six months, the structure transformed into a fully living heart valve, and after one or two years, the scaffold dissolved, leaving a functioning, living valve.
Professor Jacob explained that human trials, involving 50 to 100 patients, including children, will begin within 18 months. These trials will compare the new valves to traditional synthetic ones. The trials will involve an international team of experts from prestigious institutions like University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Dr. Sonia Babu Narayan, Deputy Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, praised the development, calling it the "holy grail" of heart valve surgery. She added that if the research succeeds, many patients could live longer, healthier lives without the need for repeated surgeries to replace heart valves.