Stem cell treatment of Stroke
Introduction - Stroke
A stroke is a life-threatening event in which part of the brain is deprived of adequate oxygen.
There are two kinds of strokes:
- Ischemic strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, usually by a blood clot originating from the carotid arteries. These arteries feed the head and brain with oxygen-rich blood. The cause is usually atherosclerotic plaques in one of the arteries.
- Hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is bleeding into or around the brain.
Standard treatments for ischemic stroke include removing the blockage by dissolving or mechanically removing the clot, and anticoagulation medications. Hemorrhagic stroke is sometimes treated by surgery or by monitoring patients' blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygenation levels. .
No standard treatment is aimed at restoring lost brain function.
The Xcell-Center Stroke treatment
Unlike the standard protocols mentioned above, the XCell-Center's Stroke treatment is a drug-free alternative focused on affecting physical changes in the brain that can improve a patient's quality of life.
In a pilot survey, more than 80% of the stroke patients treated with stem cells at the XCell-Center reported improvements.
Most Stroke patients are treated by lumbar puncture; injecting the stem cells into the cerebrospinal fluid which transports them up the spinal canal and into the brain. However, a new procedure, by which the stem cells are surgically implanted directly into the brain, is also available.
Lumbar puncture is an outpatient procedure that requires patients to stay in Germany 4 or 5 nights. Direct surgical implantation is an inpatient procedure that requires patients to stay in Germany for about 10 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. Patients who receive general anesthesia must lie down for a short recovery period before returning to their hotel.
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
tissue.
Stem Cell Implantation
On the third day, the stem cells are implanted back into the patient by lumbar puncture or surgical implantation. Surgical implantation is performed under general anesthesia.
Lumbar Puncture
A spinal needle is inserted between L4 and L5 vertebrae and a small amount of spinal fluid is removed. A portion of that spinal fluid is mixed with the stem cell solution which is then injected into back into the patient's spinal fluid, not the spinal cord. After the stem cells have been implanted, the patient will lie down in the recovery room for a few hours before returning to his or her hotel room. The lumbar puncture procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults and general anesthesia for children. Under normal circumstances, procedures performed under local anesthesia are not painful.
Surgical Implantation
Prior to surgery,
physical and functional damage will be assessed by computer
tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron
emission tomography (PET). Once the affected brain regions have
been identified and mapped, the neurosurgeon will implant the stem
cells using a high tech navigation system that allows the cells to
be placed with high accuracy.
All surgical implantation procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
Following Treatment
Patients who are treated by lumbar puncture are required to stay in town on the day after their procedure for general safety purposes. They may return home on the fifth day.
Surgical implantation patients may leave upon discharge from the hospital, usually on the ninth or tenth day, depending upon how their recovery progresses
Results
Follow up statistics from 60 Stroke patients completed in March 2010 show that 55% experienced improvements after stem cell therapy. Approximately 2/3 of the patients treated were male.
47 patients were treated via lumbar puncture and 13 by surgical implantation. The average patient age was 50 years-old and the average follow-up time after treatment was about 9 months. First positive effects from the treatment were experienced by patients after an average of about 2 months.
About 2/3 of patients who improved reported better arm use and coordination and improved motor skills in their hands and fingers.
Roughly 3 out of 4 patients experienced improved leg use and coordination as well as an increased ability to stand and walk unassisted.
Speech improved in more than 75% of patients while vision improved in half.
View complete stroke results in PDF format.
For safety information on 870 patients treated by lumbar puncture, please view our Lumbar Puncture Safety Statistics (PDF file).
Patient Stories
Keith Buller - 57 years
old
"… I was finally able to have a conversation again…"
Preston Plevretes - 22 years
old
" … Preston is walking now. He no longer uses the wheelchair …"
Alvin Mueller - 83 years
old
"… The feeling in my left arm and leg returned …"
Iarina Muresan - 2 years
old
"…Iarina experienced a developmental explosion…"
Costs
Stem cell implantation via lumbar puncture: 7,545 Euros (adults)
- 9,545 Euros (children).
Minimally invasive surgical implantation of stem cells directly
into the brain: 25,500 Euros.
Treatment Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients 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. 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.
