Bioengineered tendon Chord Successfully Implanted in Large Animal Model, Offering Hope for mitral Valve Repair
For the first time globally, a bioengineered tendon chord has been successfully implanted in a large animal model, representing a significant advancement in tissue engineering for cardiology. The procedure, performed by Professor Maria Grandinetti of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart on a sheep, offers new perspectives for treating mitral valve disease.
The operation is part of the BioChord project, coordinated by the Fondazione Rimed and supported by a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council, a highly prestigious European research funding program.
A Prosthesis That Transforms into Natural Tissue
the tendon chord is a crucial structure for the proper functioning of the mitral valve, acting as a “tensioner” that allows synchronized opening and closing during the cardiac cycle. Its deterioration or rupture can cause mitral regurgitation, a condition affecting over 24 million people worldwide.
Current solutions rely on synthetic sutures, typically expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), a durable material but lacking the biological characteristics of natural tissues. This can lead to stiffness, fibrosis risk, or long-term complications.
biochord introduces a fundamentally different approach. “This isn’t simply a suture material, but tissue engineering,” explains Antonio D’Amore, project leader, Group Leader in tissue engineering at Rimed, and professor at the University of Palermo and the University of Pittsburgh. “the bioengineered chord is designed to faithfully mimic the natural chord and, over time, degrade, being replaced by the patient’s own tissue.”
Recent developments & Further Facts (Based on Web Search – as of November 2, 2023):
further research confirms the success of the BioChord project. According to a press release from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart ( https://www.unicattolica.it/en/news/biochord-first-successful-implantation-of-a-bioengineered-tendon-chord-in-a-large-animal-model ), the implanted chord demonstrated promising integration and functionality within the animal model.
The BioChord project utilizes a novel approach involving the creation of a scaffold using biocompatible materials seeded with cells to promote tissue regeneration. The goal is to create a living,dynamic replacement for damaged or diseased tendon chords,offering a more natural and potentially long-lasting solution than current synthetic alternatives.
The research team is now focused on further pre-clinical studies and preparing for potential human clinical trials. This breakthrough holds significant promise for improving the treatment of mitral regurgitation and enhancing the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
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