Patna: How about growing human organs inside pigs or sheep?
Scientists are working on the possibility of growing human organs in animals, which would potentially be transplanted into human beings. Experts said this during the orations organised at Patna Medical College on Saturday which was part of the 93rd foundation day celebration of the premier medical college. The main foundation day celebrations is scheduled on Sunday.
"A lot of research work is under way on the use of 3D printers for bio-printing of deep tissue. 3D printing is already being used to assist in complex transplant surgeries, with printed organs being used to help map out and plan procedures before they are completed. Researchers are banking on the idea that using a 3D printer one should be able to print organs by using live cells as the ink. While living tissue has already been successfully printed, the problem that persists is that these have been too weak to implant in humans. However, there has been a recent breakthrough in which scientists were able to keep a 3D printed baby-sized ear alive on a mouse. So don't be surprised if in future you hear about synthetic kidney, synthetic heart being used in some person," said Prabhat Ranjan, executive director of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council, an autonomous body under the Centre's science and technology department.
Ranjan delivered the Dr Gaya Prasad Memorial Oration on futuristic medical sciences and health care technologies in which he spoke about some of the undergoing research work.
Director of pain research of Baltimore's (United States) Johns Hopkins Hospital, Srinivasa N. Raja, spoke on enhancing recovery after surgery while delivering the Dr UN Shahi Memorial Oration.
"The post-operative care has remarkably reduced the hospitalisation duration of the patients while promising them early recovery and stress-free life. The idea of post-operative care has evolved in foreign countries. This requires a team of doctors, including surgeons, anaesthetists among others. In US, the surgeon works with the team of doctors including anaesthetists even after surgery to ensure post-operative care," said Raja.
