There are so many more benefits that this new technology brings when compared to open heart surgery. For one, the heart doesn't need to be stopped to repair it. Also, the heart tissue doesn't need to be cut into which is an incredible improvement on old medical practices. While other devices that remain in the body may be moved out of place or fail to cover a hole as tissue continues to grow, this patch allows the heart tissue to create its own closure and then when it's no longer needed, it dissolves. "This really is a completely new platform for closing wounds or holes anywhere in the body," says Conor Walsh, founder of the Harvard Biodesign Lab at SEAS.

[Image credit: Boston Children's Hospital]