Currently there are more than 2,000 children on the transplant waiting list-and more than 100,000 Americans nationwide-awaiting a matching organ. Most children aged one through 10 are awaiting a kidney, liver, or heart. As with any transplant, there are two ways to find an organ-someone can donate or someone can die. Unfortunately, the supply falls far short of the demand, leaving people to die every day waiting for a second chance at life. Scientific and medical experts, however, continue to develop promising technology like 3D bioprinting that could save thousands of lives without the need of a donor.
Keywords: 3D bioprinting; heart disease; heart transplant; regenerative medicine.
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