Our Summary

This research paper discusses the creation of bionic tissues that can be used for testing heart treatments. Normally, these tissues are too small for testing with actual medical tools, but the researchers managed to create a larger, centimeter-scale version. They did this by 3D printing human stem cells in a special bioink that lets the cells grow before they turn into heart cells. They attached this tissue to a soft sensor that can map out how pressure is applied across the tissue. They tested this setup with a tool used to freeze and destroy problematic heart tissue, and found that how the cells responded to the treatment was closely linked to the pressure applied. They also found that under certain conditions, heart cells could survive the treatment, although their shape and connections to other cells were changed. This suggests that some heart problems could return after this treatment. These bionic tissues could be used to better understand how human cells react to different treatments.

FAQs

  1. How were the bionic tissues created for testing heart treatments?
  2. What findings did the researchers discover when testing the bionic tissues with a tool used to freeze and destroy problematic heart tissue?
  3. What potential implications do these findings have for the treatment of heart problems?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac ablation is to follow post-procedure care instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure the treatment was successful. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support heart health after cardiac ablation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cardiac ablation are those who have certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. These may include:

  1. Atrial fibrillation: This is the most common type of arrhythmia, characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat. Cardiac ablation is often recommended for patients who do not respond well to medication or who experience severe symptoms.

  2. Atrial flutter: This is a similar condition to atrial fibrillation, but the abnormal heart rhythm is more organized. Cardiac ablation may be recommended for patients who have recurrent episodes of atrial flutter.

  3. Supraventricular tachycardia: This is a fast heart rhythm that originates above the ventricles. Cardiac ablation may be recommended for patients who have frequent episodes of supraventricular tachycardia.

  4. Ventricular tachycardia: This is a fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles. Cardiac ablation may be recommended for patients who have recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia, especially if it is causing symptoms or putting them at risk for more serious complications.

Overall, cardiac ablation is typically recommended for patients who have symptomatic arrhythmias that are not well controlled with medication, or for those who are at high risk for complications related to their abnormal heart rhythm. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if cardiac ablation is the right treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before cardiac ablation:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of heart arrhythmias such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or Holter monitor to confirm the presence of arrhythmias.
  3. Cardiologist recommends cardiac ablation as a treatment option for the patient’s arrhythmias.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-procedure evaluations such as blood tests, imaging tests, and medication adjustments.

After cardiac ablation:

  1. Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure and is given sedation or anesthesia.
  2. Cardiologist inserts catheters through the blood vessels to reach the heart and deliver energy to destroy the abnormal heart tissue causing the arrhythmias.
  3. Patient may experience mild discomfort or chest pain during the procedure.
  4. Cardiologist monitors the heart rhythm to ensure successful ablation of the problematic tissue.
  5. Patient is observed in the hospital for a few hours to monitor for any complications.
  6. Patient is discharged home with instructions for recovery, including avoiding strenuous activities and taking prescribed medications.
  7. Patient follows up with the cardiologist for post-procedure appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the ablation and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is cardiac ablation and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cardiac ablation?
  3. How successful is cardiac ablation in treating my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after cardiac ablation?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make after undergoing cardiac ablation?
  6. How soon can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms after the procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to cardiac ablation that I should consider?
  8. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments after cardiac ablation?
  9. What are the long-term effects of cardiac ablation on my heart health?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I need to be aware of after cardiac ablation?

Reference

Authors: Lin WH, Zhu Z, Ravikumar V, Sharma V, Tolkacheva EG, McAlpine MC, Ogle BM. Journal: Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 21;23(22):14444. doi: 10.3390/ijms232214444. PMID: 36430922