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| The Artery | |
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The artery is a vessel that carries oxygenated blood and nourishment from the heart to the tissues of the body. |
| Prosthetic Arteries | |
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When arteries are disease, veins must graft them. The new graft has to be seamless, flexible, and strong. Another material used is the human umbilical cord. Drs. Herbert and Irving Darvik along with Dr. Robert Vaier found that the veins in the umbilical cord were strong and a tissue match isn't needed. |
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With the development of prosthetic arteries, veins are not needed. These artificial arteries are woven with bumps, however this can cause clotting. This problem is solved by using smooth tubing of biocompatible materials. These permit the growth of a more natural lining of the tube. |
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In a new breakthrough, researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a technique that allows people to grow their own arteries. To make these artificial arteries, a small plastic tube is placed in an abdominal cavity of the patient for two to three weeks. Once the tube is inside the patient, the body begins coating the tube with two layers of tissue that resemble the artery wall inside out! |