Stem cell patches improve heart function in trial of severe failure cases
Patches of heart muscle grown from stem cells were implanted in 20 patients with advanced heart failure. The procedure produced measurable gains in 12 of the participants.
japantimes.co.jpResearchers tested a procedure that places patches of lab-grown heart muscle onto damaged areas of the heart. The patches are intended to act as a biological form of ventricular assistance for patients whose hearts can no longer pump adequately on their own. The trial enrolled 20 adults with severe heart failure.
After the patches were implanted, 12 patients showed improvement in heart function, according to results published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The approach is described as cardiac remuscularization. It uses stem cells to create new muscle tissue that can integrate with the existing heart wall.
No individual patient outcomes or adverse events were detailed in the report. Further study will be required to determine durability of the benefit and rates of complications.
Key Facts
Potential Impact
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Additional clinical trials may be planned to assess longer-term safety and effectiveness.
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Regulatory review could be required before wider medical use of the patches.
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