A medical team in Boston has announced the first successful transplant of a 3D-printed human heart into a patient. The heart was created using the patient’s own biological cells, significantly reducing the risk of organ rejection. This breakthrough could potentially end the long waiting lists for organ donors and revolutionize cardiac surgery.

The surgery lasted over 12 hours and required a specialized team of bio-engineers and surgeons. The 3D-printed organ began beating on its own within minutes of being connected to the patient’s circulatory system. The patient is currently in stable condition and showing no signs of adverse reactions to the synthetic tissue.

This technology allows for the customization of organs to fit the specific anatomy of a patient. While it is currently expensive, researchers hope that mass production of biological "ink" will make this accessible to the general public within the next decade. It opens the door for 3D-printing other vital organs like kidneys and livers.