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Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading admission diagnosis for hospitalization in the United States and carries a 50%,
five-year mortality rate. The shortage of donor hearts limits the utility of cardiac transplantation; the only curative procedure available.
Recent studies have suggested that it may be possible to grow new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to supply the heart muscle that is currently
not getting enough blood. While still under study and unproven, some research suggests bone marrow contains special stem cells (cells from
which other types of cells develop) that may promote blood vessel growth, prevent cell death, and transform themselves into a number of tissues
including muscle.
The CCTRN is currently developing studies which use a patient’s own bone marrow cells to try to promote blood vessel growth in his/her heart.
These cells are delivered to the heart in the attempt to improve the blood supply to the heart and the heart’s ability to pump blood.
The information gained in these research studies may improve the understanding of safety of using stem cells in the heart and aid in the
advancement of medical knowledge.
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