First, the researchers need to develop ways to print these blood vessel networks into large organs. If all goes well, Marsden says they hope to test 3D-printed organs in pigs within about five years.

While 3D printers aren’t yet up to the task of printing such a fine-scale and dense network, the researchers were able to design and print a vascular model with 500 branches.

First, the researchers need to develop ways to print these blood vessel networks into large organs. If all goes well, Marsden says they hope to test 3D-printed organs in pigs within about five years.