Tissue Engineering for Congenital Heart Disease: Current Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions
Tissue engineering offers a promising approach in medicine, aiming to repair and replace damaged or abnormal tissues. Using stem cells, this field seeks to create functional tissue constructs that can restore normal physiological functions. In this paper, we explore the application of tissue engineering in the context of congenital heart disease (CHD). We review recent advancements from in vitro experiments, preclinical animal models, and early clinical studies, highlighting both the progress made and the limitations encountered. Key challenges such as immune rejection and integration with host tissue are discussed. Finally, we outline future directions and the potential of tissue engineering to transform the treatment landscape for CHD.