New blood vessels grown from a patient's own muscle cells are a step nearer after a genetic success in a US laboratory:BBC 06 Jun 03 The BBC reports upon a study undertaken at Duke University Medical Center in the US. Previous attempts at that center to construct tissue engineered arteries had fallen through based upon problems with limitations of SMC cell division. By introducing the hTERT gene into SMC Dr Laura Niklason and team were able to effectively immortalise the SMC, leading to the successful production of a structural artery.

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It is suggested that a further 10 years will be needed before an artery able to contract will be produced.