Riya Baibhawi

Scientists Create Patch That Can Mend Failing Hearts

Scientists in Germany have created patches that can mend failing hearts. These lab-grown patches are created from stem cells and could give new hope to millions of people with advanced <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/heart-failure">heart failure</a></span>. Based on a small trial on humans and promising tests on monkeys, the patches appear to support the pumping of the heart safely. While the trial is still ongoing, the long-term potential of this innovative cure is still uncertain. 

These lab-grown patches are created from another person's stem cells. Now, stem cells are special cells that have the ability to regenerate into any number of different cell types. In this case, they are converted into heart muscle cells. 

After their creation, this lab-grown cardiac tissue can be grafted onto beating hearts to help them repair. It is like "implanting young muscle", says study author Ingo Kutschka, from University Medical Center Goettingen. A small incision is made in the chest and the 3.5in (9cm) by 1.5in patch is stitched on to the surface of the heart. However, Kutschka warned, "It's tricky because the tissues are floppy, and you have to take care to make it stay in shape."

In a groundbreaking trial, a 46-year-old woman with worsening heart failure received an artificial heart muscle patch in 2021. After a heart attack in 2016, her condition deteriorated despite all available treatments. The patch, designed to integrate with the failing heart, helped stabilize her without side effects until she successfully underwent a heart transplant three months later. "It adapted, grew, and supported the heart," said Prof. Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann, highlighting its potential. 

Trials in monkeys also showed promising results. The patches thickened the heart wall, improved contractions, and enhanced overall heart function. While not suitable for emergency cases, these patches offer hope for many heart failure patients who may never receive a transplant. Researchers now plan a long-term trial with 15 patients, aiming to turn these early successes into a new era of heart failure treatment. 

Heart Failure: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to supply the body's needs. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Some heart conditions slowly leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly.

 Here are signs of heart failure you mustn't ignore: 

<ol><li>Shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying down</li><li>Persistent coughing or wheezing with white or pink mucus</li><li>Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen</li><li>Rapid or irregular heartbeat</li><li>Unexplained fatigue or weakness</li><li>Difficulty concentrating or confusion</li><li>Nausea or loss of appetite</li><li>Sudden weight gain from fluid retention. </li></ol>

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Scientists in Germany have created patches that can mend failing hearts. These lab-grown patches are created from stem cells and could give new hope to millions of people with advanced heart failure. Based on a small trial on humans and promising tests on monkeys, the patches appear to support the pumping of the heart safely. While the trial is still ongoing, the long-term potential of this innovative cure is still uncertain. How are heart patches created?These lab-grown patches are created from another person's stem cells. Now, stem cells are special cells that have the ability to regenerate into any number of different cell types. In this case, they are converted into heart muscle cells. After their creation, this lab-grown cardiac tissue can be grafted onto beating hearts to help them repair. It is like "implanting young muscle", says study author Ingo Kutschka, from University Medical Center Goettingen. A small incision is made in the chest and the 3.5in (9cm) by 1.5in patch is stitched on to the surface of the heart. However, Kutschka warned, "It's tricky because the tissues are floppy, and you have to take care to make it stay in shape."Trial On WomenIn a groundbreaking trial, a 46-year-old woman with worsening heart failure received an artificial heart muscle patch in 2021. After a heart attack in 2016, her condition deteriorated despite all available treatments. The patch, designed to integrate with the failing heart, helped stabilize her without side effects until she successfully underwent a heart transplant three months later. "It adapted, grew, and supported the heart," said Prof. Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann, highlighting its potential. Trial On MonkeysTrials in monkeys also showed promising results. The patches thickened the heart wall, improved contractions, and enhanced overall heart function. While not suitable for emergency cases, these patches offer hope for many heart failure patients who may never receive a transplant. Researchers now plan a long-term trial with 15 patients, aiming to turn these early successes into a new era of heart failure treatment. Heart Failure: Signs You Shouldn't IgnoreHeart failure occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to supply the body's needs. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Some heart conditions slowly leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. Here are signs of heart failure you mustn't ignore: Shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying downPersistent coughing or wheezing with white or pink mucusSwelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomenRapid or irregular heartbeatUnexplained fatigue or weaknessDifficulty concentrating or confusionNausea or loss of appetiteSudden weight gain from fluid retention. 