Download Using STEM CELLS to Treat Damaged HEARTS

Using STEM CELLS to Treat Damaged HEARTS
Many heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) are caused when a complete blockage of a heart vessel (called
a coronary artery) prevents oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from reaching a section of the heart. If blood
cannot reach the heart muscle, it will die. Over time, the condition worsens and weakens the heart.
which damages
heart tissue
and cells
A blocked coronary
artery causes a
HEART ATTACK
(INFARCTION)
and over time
can result in
HEART FAILURE
months... years... decades...
Researchers have found that adult stem cells may help patients who have cardiovascular disease.
So, patients’ own stem cells were used to repair heart tissue that was damaged after a heart attack.
Here’s how it was done—
Anti-inflammatory cells and
STEM CELLS were obtained
STEM CELLS
were injected into
FAT TISSUE was harvested
from the patient’s
abdomen or side
via liposuction and
then processed
the heart tissue
Researchers have found that PATIENTS who received STEM CELLS experienced —
29
28.9
28
area of
heart
damage
Control Group
26
25
24
23
25.1
Stem Cell Group
23.8
22
0
22.1
Baseline
6 Months
20
19
exercise
capacity
(ability to
breathe)
18
MVO2 (%)
INCREASED
19.0
17
16
17.2
17.1
16.6
pumping
efficiency
15
14
0
15.5
Baseline
INCREASED
6 Months
(Transplant)
15.3
18 Months
% Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Infarction Size (%)
SMALLER
27
7
6
5.5
5
4
3
2
3.0
1
0
Source: Perin EC, et al. Circulation. 2010;122:A17966 Abstract.
Learn more online at
www.texasheart.org/stemcell
©2013