First 3D printed heart with muscle and blood vessels unveiled
[]
On Monday, Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University unveiled a 3D printed heart with human tissue and vessels. /Getty Images

On Monday, Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University unveiled a 3D printed heart with human tissue and vessels. /Getty Images

The university hailed the finding as “a major medical breakthrough” in the announcement published in Advanced Science. According to the scientists, there were successful case of 3D printed heart structure before, but one with cells or blood vessels is unprecedented. /Getty Images

The university hailed the finding as “a major medical breakthrough” in the announcement published in Advanced Science. According to the scientists, there were successful case of 3D printed heart structure before, but one with cells or blood vessels is unprecedented. /Getty Images

About the size of a rabbit’s heart, the 3D print contains living heart cells, blood vessels, as well as other supporting structures. The Israeli researchers said their next step is to transplant those lab-made organs into animal models, hopefully in a year. /Getty Images

About the size of a rabbit’s heart, the 3D print contains living heart cells, blood vessels, as well as other supporting structures. The Israeli researchers said their next step is to transplant those lab-made organs into animal models, hopefully in a year. /Getty Images

Several challenges remain before fully functional 3D printed organs can be available for transplant in humans. "Maybe, in 10 years, there will be organ printers in the finest hospitals around the world, and these procedures will be conducted routinely,” said Dr. Tal Dvir, the project leader. /Getty Images

Several challenges remain before fully functional 3D printed organs can be available for transplant in humans. "Maybe, in 10 years, there will be organ printers in the finest hospitals around the world, and these procedures will be conducted routinely,” said Dr. Tal Dvir, the project leader. /Getty Images