As shown in the accompanying diagram, autologous stem cells are cells that are harvested from an individual and given back to the same individual in the context of a specific treatment. In the studies conducted by CCTRN, the individual is hospitalized and the stem cells are extracted using a bone marrow aspiration procedure (cells collected from the marrow of the hip bone). These cells are then transported to a nearby cell processing laboratory. The laboratory will test the cells for several characteristics and will assure the most viable cells are captured for delivery back to the patient. Within a few hours, the cells are sent back to the treating physician to be delivered into the patient’s heart via a catheter. The patient is then monitored for 1 to 2 days before release from the hospital.