Intracoronary transplantation of bone marrow stem cells: Background, techniques, and limitations

Abstract

Experimental data on myocardial regeneration with the use of bone marrow stem cells in recent years promoted first pilot clinical trials. Currently used methodology in these pilot clinical trials is based on the aspiration of autologous bone blood, separation of cell fraction thought to contain multipotent stem cells and reinjection of this autologous cellular blood material to the patient's coronary artery during balloon occlusion of this artery. Our experience obtained during almost 3 years led us to stop prematurely one trial and to continue under strict rules another one. This new promising method could bring a true revolution in future prevention or treatment of ischaemic heart failure. However, it is today unclear, whether this is a fascinating new hope for heart failure patients or a dead end route. © The European Society of Cardiology 2006. All rights reserved.