Speaker: G. Russell Reiss

Title: Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemic Heart Disease

Several clinical investigators in Europe, Asia and South America have demonstrated that adult bone marrow-derived stem cells delivered directly to the myocardium can improve overall cardiac function in the heart suffering ischemic injury from coronary artery disease.

We have established a working animal model for evaluating the use of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) in cardiac surgery. This model utilizes the creation of an acute left ventricular (LV) myocardial infarction that can reproducibly depress LV function similar to that seen in patients with ischemic heart disease. We are studying the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of direct intramyocardial injection of BM-MNC in improving post-infarction LV function.

A Phase I clinical trial evaluating safety of direct intramyocardial injection of autologous BM-MNC is also being planned.