SCI faculty member develops functioning 3D-printed human heart pump

Researchers in Dr. Brenda Ogle’s lab at the University of Minnesota used a new sequence of techniques to 3D print a functioning centimeter-scale human heart pump - a discovery that could have major implications for studying heart disease.  “We now have a model to track what is happening at the cell and molecular level in cardiac muscle tissue as a consequence of the dilation, contraction, and fluid handling associated with cardiac pump function,” Ogle said. “We can also introduce disease and damage into the model and then study the effects of medicines and other therapeutics on cardiac health.”  Learn more and access videos of the 3D printing process and its outcome.