Implantable heart muscle patch
1. Blood cells are 'reprogrammed' to mimic stem cells, so they can develop into any cell type
2. The stem cells are encouraged to become heart muscle cells and connective tissue cells
Connective tissue
Heart muscle cells
Collagen
3. Cells are combined with collagen and grown in a custom mould to make
a heart patch
Mould
4. This is implanted onto a damaged
heart, strengthening the heart wall and improving function
Heart
patch
1. Blood cells are 'reprogrammed' to mimic stem cells, so they can develop into any cell type
2. The stem cells are encouraged to become heart muscle cells and connective tissue cells
Connective tissue
Heart muscle cells
Collagen
Heart
patch
Mould
3. Cells are combined with collagen and grown in a custom mould to make
a heart patch
4. This is implanted onto a damaged heart, strengthening the heart wall and improving function
2. The stem cells
are encouraged to become heart muscle cells and connective tissue cells
3. Cells are combined with collagen and grown in a custom mould to make a heart patch
4. The patch is implanted onto a damaged heart, strengthening the heart wall and improving function
1. Blood cells are 'reprogrammed' to mimic stem cells, so they can develop into any cell type
Connective tissue
Collagen
Mould
Heart muscle cells
Patch
1. Blood cells are 'reprogrammed' to mimic stem cells, so they can develop into any cell type
2. The stem cells
are encouraged to become heart muscle cells and connective tissue cells
3. Cells are combined with collagen and grown in a custom mould to make
a heart patch
4. This is implanted onto a damaged
heart, strengthening the heart wall and improving function
Connective tissue
Collagen
Mould
Heart muscle cells
Patch