“PLASTERS” made from human stem cells could patch holes in kids’ hearts and save them from repeat ops.
The patches are being trialled on youngsters with genetic heart defects.
‘Plasters’ made from human stem cells could patch holes in kids’ hearts
Doctors currently use temporary kit to repair holes or valves in the heart — but it is eventually broken down by the body and needs replacing during open heart surgery.
The tech, funded by the British Heart Foundation, could save the NHS millions, with around 200 repeat ops each year costing £30,000 a time.
Professor Massimo Caputo, from the University of Bristol’s Heart Institute, said: “For years, families have come to us asking why their child needs to have heart surgery time and time again.
“The experience can put an unbelievable amount of stress on the child and their parents.
“We believe our stem cell patches will be the answer to solve these problems.”
Around 13 babies are born every day with life-threatening problems with their heart or blood vessels.
Prof Caputo’s stem cell patch could be sewn in once and left to grow and fuse into the body permanently.