Heart Disease Treatment in Brazzini Radiologicos Asociados

Heart disease patients can benefit from stem cell therapy, always given in addition to conventional medical treatment. This technique uses stem cells extracted from the bone marrow and implants them - by a catheter or by surgery - into the left ventricle of the heart.

The exact mechanism whereby stem cells improve the cardiac function is not fully understood, however, it could be due to stimuli on the generation on new vessels and the improvement of function of the cells near afflicted area.

CATHETER TECHNIQUE:

The catheter technique procedure begins with the puncture of iliac crest bone (hip bone). This is performed under sedation. An adequate amount of bone marrow is aspirated. Then, while patient rests, the blood is processed. A few hours later, the purified and concentrated stem cells are ready for injection. Under local anesthesia, the stem cells are injected through a catheter into the heart arteries or the veins. This procedure is done with a needle, usually in the groin area. It is not painful and carries very low risk or side effects. Patients can usually be discharged and resume normal life the next day.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE:

This technique is used with patients who all already undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this case, the stem cells are injected directly in the infracted areas during the open heart. This may delay or avoid the need for a cardiac transplant. During bypass surgery, the surgeon uses the aperture of the thorax for a direct injection of cells close to necrotic areas (areas of dead cells).

The results are better cardiac function and fewer chest pain episodes.