Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
G D Angelini, M Caputo, P Madeddu and C Emanueli
Bristol University, UK
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Pediat Therapeut
Despite recent advances in cardiac surgery, congenital heart disease (CHD) still represents an unmet clinical need due to the limited durability of materials used to repair cardiac defects and consequent development of heart failure. The advent of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering has raised new hope for the treatment of CHD patients. Our group is working to upgrade the valved-conduits and patches commonly used in reconstructive CHD surgery, by creating biomaterials/medical devices endowed with potential to grow, remodel and regenerate the failing right ventricle in vivo. We have tested different cell products, including autologous stem cells from neonatal heart and umbilical cord tissue and blood, and cardiovascular cells derived from autologous induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs), to verify the optimal regenerative component within the medical device. We have used an in vivo CHD piglet model to test the new devices for proof of concept of feasibility and efficacy. The results of this work are at present evaluated by the regulatory authorities prior to perform a first-in-human clinical trial, comparing bio-engineered and conventional scaffolds for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary arteries.
Email: g.d.angelini@imperial.ac.uk