Mortality and illness due to cardiovascular disease continues to rise in the graying population base of the U.S. while increased concerns due to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension signal an ongoing battle to protect the human heart.

Surgery remains one of the most prominent methods of treating heart and cardiovascular diseases, though a number of new research discoveries are indicating alternatives loom on the horizon. For instance, tissue engineering is the manufacturing of complete tissues outside of the body ready for future transplant use.

Kansas City has strong capabilities that feed the technologies and science that support and supplement these core areas. Greater attention to these niche markets could help position the region near the forefront of this still emerging technology.