In the previous decade, it had already been possible to grow various tissues, bones and muscles using stem cells. The first complete synthetic organ transplant was achieved in 2011, when a replacement windpipe was given to a terminal cancer patient. This was followed by further breakthroughs as more complex body structures and systems began to be engineered.
By 2020, a major landmark is reached, with scientists having fully characterised how every part of the heart works - enabling complete replacements for use in transplants. The need for external donors is eliminated, and since the organ is genetically matched to the patient, there is no chance of rejection. This new treatment offers hope to millions of people affected by cardiovascular disease. Until now, 15 million had died each year from such conditions.
The economic benefits are huge. A significant fraction of healthcare costs have been attributable to organ failure, the recurring treatments for chronic diseases and their subsequent complications. This new regenerative medicine effectively provides a cure, rather than ongoing treatment. Until now, direct healthcare costs of organ replacement and associated care had been $350 billion globally (about 8 percent of global healthcare spending).
As well as the heart, various other organs are eventually developed: lungs, livers, kidneys, spleens, stomachs, the pancreas and sexual organs all enter clinical trials. Internal organ failure will gradually become a thing of the past; for those who can afford the treatments, at least. Furthermore, new vitrification techniques allow organ banking without damage from ice crystal formation.
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