Human trials of artificial artery

London's Royal Free Hospital used nanotechnology to develop the small bypass graft from a polymer material.

 

The material enables the graft to mimic the natural pulsing of human blood vessels, which enables them to deliver nutrients to the body's tissues.

 

The ultimate aim is to use the graft in coronary artery and lower-limb arterial surgery, which doctors say could reduce amputations and heart attacks.

 

If the trials - funded by a grant of £500,000 - are successful, the device could potentially help thousands of patients with vascular disease.

The wall of the artery is designed to be able to withstand blood pressure throughout a person's lifetime and is normally very strong.

 

If it is damaged by disease such as hardening of the arteries, the artery can become blocked or in some patients the wall can weaken, becoming an aneurysm, and it may rupture.

 

The new artificial artery has been designed to mimic the natural version as closely as possible.

 

It is strong, flexible, resistant to blood clotting and pulses rhythmically to match the beat of the heart.

 

Using nanotechnology, the researchers incorporated specific microscopic molecules into the graft.

 

Some aid circulation, while others encourage specialised stem cells to coat its lining, boosting its ability to repair damaged blood vessels still further.

 

Professor Hamilton said: "This will be hugely beneficial to patients in the NHS as we will be able to reduce heart attacks, reduce amputations and ultimately save lives."

 

In the long-term, the team hope to develop a range of "off the shelf" grafts, stents and other devices.