Stem cell treatment of Cardiovascular diseases
Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Angina (chest pain) is the most common symptom of CHD. Other common symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue with activity.
Heart Failure is a life-threatening condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood throughout the body. Cardiomyopathy, (weakening of the heart muscle or a change in its structure) is often associated with heart failure.
Standard treatments for CHD and heart failure are diet control, medications and surgical procedures such as stenting to open up clogged arteries or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to build detours around clogged portions of the arteries.
The XCell-Center Heart Treatment
The XCell-Center's heart treatment differs from standard methods because it is a drug-free alternative focused on repairing heart muscle and increasing blood flow within the heart muscle itself.
The entire procedure requires patients to stay in Germany for 4 or 5 nights.
Bone Marrow Collection
On the
first day, bone marrow is collected from the patient's iliac crest
(hip bone) using thin-needle mini-puncture under local anesthesia.
Although some pain is felt when the needle is inserted, most
patients do not find the bone marrow collection procedure
particularly painful. The entire procedure normally takes about 30
minutes.
Once the bone marrow collection is complete, patients may return to their hotel and go about normal activities.
More detailed information on the bone marrow collection procedure is available in the Bone Marrow Informed Consent document (PDF file).
Laboratory Processing
The next
day, the stem cells are processed from the bone marrow in a
state-of-the-art, government approved (cGMP) laboratory. In the
lab, both the quantity and quality of the stem cells are measured.
These cells have the potential to transform into multiple types of
cells and are capable of regenerating or repairing damaged heart
tissue.
Stem Cell Implantation
On the third day, the stem cells are implanted back into the patient by angiography under local anesthesia. A special catheter (thin hollow wire) is inserted into the femoral artery and then guided forward under x-ray scanning until it reaches the targeted areas where the stem cells are then injected. During this procedure, additional treatments such as coronary artery stenting can be performed if necessary. The angiography procedure takes about 90 minutes.
Once all the cells have been successfully implanted, patients stay at the hospital overnight for monitoring and to allow the catheter entry point to close properly. They may return home after being released from the hospital the following day.
Patient Stories
Aaron
Wood, Age 60 - 3 heart attacks and heart failure
"I no longer have any angina pain or no shortness of breath - no
symptoms whatsoever. I am walking 3 miles per day and lifting heavy
weights again. I consider this a complete reversal. I saw my
cardiologist 2 weeks ago for more testing and he is still shaking
his head!"
Cost
The price of the heart angiography treatment is 11,500 Euros.
Evaluation Process
To begin the treatment evaluation process, you must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you within 3 business days. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
If you will be in Germany, you may also schedule an in-person consultation/evaluation with an XCell-Center physician. You may also request a "fast-track" evaluation and treatment schedule.