New HF Procedure Uses Stem Cells from Patient’s Fat Tissue

Feb. 7, 2007 — A first ever human procedure in Madrid took place this week in which a heart failure patient received adult stem cells removed from his own adipose (fat) tissue by liposuction. The cells were processed and injected directly into the heart muscle with a special catheter.

Cytori Therapeutics Inc. developed the proprietary, one-hour method through which stem cells are processed. After processing, stem cells are injected directly into damaged but viable areas of the heart muscle through an investigational device called a NOGA catheter, which allows 3D color-coded maps of the mechanical and electrical function of the heart’s left ventricle.

The procedure was part of a collaborative trial led by the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital that will involve 30 patients. Francisco Fernandez-Avilés, M.D. performed the procedure at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón in Madrid, Spain — he is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Chief of Cardiology Service at Gregorio Marañón. He is co-principal investigator in the trial with Emerson Perin, M.D., director of New Interventional Cardiovascular Technology and director of Stem Cell Center at the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s.

“This is the first time we have used adipose-derived stem cells in humans. We had good results in our pre-clinical tests and we are excited about taking this research to the next level,” said Dr. Perin.

For more information visit www. texasheartinstitute.org.