Scientists unveil 'first' 3D print of heart with human tissue, vessels

By Cho Chung-un

Published : April 15, 2019 - 20:21

TEL AVIV (AFP) -- Scientists in Israel on Monday unveiled a 3D print of a heart with human tissue and vessels, calling it a first and a "major medical breakthrough" that advances possibilities for transplants.

Israeli scientist Tal Dvir from Tel Aviv University holds a transparent cup containing what the university says is the world?s first 3D-printed, vascularised engineered heart, during a demonstration at a laboratory in the university, Tel Aviv, on Monday. (Reuters)

The heart, about the size of a rabbit's, marked "the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers," said Tal Dvir, who led the project.