New Device for Injecting Stem Cells into the Heart

A new device is designed to deliver a patient's own adult stem cells through the coronary arteries to the heart to treat damage to the heart.

Called MicroSyringe, the device contains a C-shaped balloon that when inflated pushes a microscopic needle into the wall of the coronary arteries and injects the stem cells into the perivascular tissue. Studies have shown that autologous bone marrow stem cells injected into the heart can help to cure heart damage, improving blood flow and shrinking scars.

There may be a proportional response between the number of cells delivered and the amount of healing observed, according to the developer of the syringe, suggesting that more stem cells would promote more healing. The direct-injection method prevents the bloodstream from washing away the cells. The MicroSyringe was developed by EndoBionics, Inc. (San Leandro, CA, USA).

"Delivering the cells just outside the artery with the MicroSyringe deposits them in an oxygen- and blood-rich area that is critical to cell survival,” said Robert Cafferata, Ph.D., executive vice president of Endobionics.




Related Links:
EndoBionics