There are two alternatives for people who need new veins, and both of them kinda suck. Doctors can either rip out an existing vein from a patients leg, which can lead to nasty complications, or use a synthetic graft, which has a high rate of infection and failure. It’s a shame doctors can’t just buy new veins and throw them in the fridge for whenever they need them…which is why researchers have developed exactly that.
Researchers in North Carolina have come up with a process for creating off-the-shelf veins using a process called decellularization. Basically, veins are grown in a bioreactor, then have their cells removed, leaving a vein that won’t be rejected by the patient’s immune system and can amazingly be stored in a fridge for a year without going bad. It can even be grown in different sizes to be used for different needs.
While we’re still years away from doctors just being able to stash a bundle of veins in the cooler for the weekend, it’s still hopeful news for those of us whose idea of a healthy meal is a Whopper garnished with two other Whoppers.
[Eurekalert via Cnet]