Tissue Engineering of Autologous Human Heart Valves Using Cryopreserved Vascular Umbilical Cord Cells

This study demonstrates in vitro generation of viable and functional human heart valves based on CHUCCs and biomimetic flow culture systems. The CHUCCs demonstrated excellent growth potential and abilities of in vitro tissue formation. These findings suggest the potential benefit of establishing autologous human cell banks for pediatric patients diagnosed intrauterinely with congenital defects that will potentially require heart valve replacement in the early years of life.