Scientists have created a new form of collagen-based blood vessels made from human donor tissue. It has numerous uses like blood vessel-like grafts in coronary artery bypass and access points for patients who need kidney dialysis.

The grafts appear to be strong enough to be stored for a year. What this means is hospitals could make them in ahead of time to be used when surgeons need them.

Researchers created two types of blood vessels, one is 6 millimeters in diameter and the other is 3-4 millimeters in diameter. While there hasn’t been any human testing, researchers have found success in animal testing. Baboons had an 88% success rate in large vessels, and dogs had an 83% success rates with blood vessels.

There has been no testing on humans yet, this study should lay the foundation. About 500,000 patients a year could benefit from this discovery. Blood vessels around the heart could be replaced when they clogged with plaque. Though, the artificial vessels may be used as a last resort when it becomes available for human use, but one day they can become the norm.