Tissue engineering and biotechnology in general thoracic surgery

Abstract

Public interest in the recent progress of tissue engineering, a special line of biotechnology, makes the current review on thoracic surgery highly relevant. In this article, techniques, materials and cellular processes are discussed alongside their potential applications in tissue repair. Different applications of tissue engineering in tracheo-bronchial replacement, lung tissue cultures and chest-wall reconstruction are also summarised in the article. Potential tissue engineering-based solutions for destructive, chronic lung-injury-related conditions and replacement of tubular structures in the central airways are also examined.

Advances and Applications of Lung Organoids in the Research on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

“…Tamas et al identified four essential cell types crucial for maintaining lung functionality: fibroblast cells, alveolar epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells (Figure 1). These cell types encompass both functional cells necessary for normal lung function and structural cells that offer mechanical support [54]. The largest volume of the lung is comprised of an alveolar sac, which is an elaborate sac-like structure composed of epithelial cells surrounded by blood capillaries.…”

Thoracic surgery and lung transplantation: Thoracic Surgery Assembly contribution to the celebration of 20 years of the ERS

“…Looking to the future, whilst we do not wish to speculate too much, development in the following areas is possible: robotics, telesurgery, tissue engineering and biotechnology, and total artificial lung [11,12]. Research activities in these and other fields may lead to new solutions to old problems in our specialty.…”

Ludwig K. von Segesser: Editor-in-Chief of EJCTS and ICVTS from 2000 to 2010

“…In addition to this unparalleled success in the development of EJCTS [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], Ludwig von Segesser launched a second publication in September 2002, Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery (ICVTS). This interactive Journal is available to the reader in both a printed and an online version.…”