“Physical Twins” of Human Arteries Predict Individual Stroke Risk
Researchers in Australia have developed an 'artery-on-a-chip' platform that uses 3D-printed physical twins of patient arteries to better predict stroke risk. This technology aims to improve personalized treatment by accounting for unique vascular shapes and blood flow patterns.
Why it matters
Current stroke risk assessment is often imprecise; this technology could significantly reduce recurrent strokes by providing more accurate, patient-specific diagnostic data.
Scientists in Australia have developed an artery-on-a-chip platform that can replicate a patient’s exact vascular structure to better assess their risk of ischemic stroke. Results published today in Cell Biomaterials show that differences in artery shape explain significant differences in stroke risk seen between patients with similar levels of artery narrowing.
“Our findings suggested that three-dimensional vascular shape and local flow disturbances matter far more than simple narrowing,” said Yunduo Charles Zhao, graduate student at the University of Sydney and the Heart Research Institute in Newtown, Australia. “We hope these tools will allow us to study drugs aimed at reducing the risk of stroke and to eventually provide personalized treatments for each patient based on their anatomy.”
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