‘Plasters’ made from human stem cells could patch holes in kids’ hearts and save them from repeat ops

“BANDAGES” made from human stem cells could plug holes in children’s hearts and save them from repeat operations.

The patches will be tested on young people with genetic heart defects.

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Doctors are currently using a temporary kit to fix holes, or valves, in the heart – but it will eventually be broken down by the body and will have to be replaced during open-heart surgery.

The technology, funded by the British Heart Foundation, could save the NHS millions, with around 200 repeat surgeries a year costing £30,000.

Professor Massimo Caputo, from the University of Bristol’s Heart Institute, said: “For years families have come to us asking why their child keeps having to have heart surgery.

“The experience can be incredibly stressful for the child and their parents.

“We believe that our stem cell patches will be the solution to these problems.”

Every day, about 13 babies are born with life-threatening problems with their hearts or blood vessels.

Prof. Caputo’s stem cell patch could be sewn in once and grow and fuse permanently with the body.