Stem Cell Heart Treatment Unveiled at the XCell-Center
February 25, 2009
The XCell-Center, Europe’s leading adult stem cell therapy center, is proud to announce that it is now treating heart patients with autologous bone marrow stem cells at its new facility in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The course of treatment
On the first day, stem cells are removed from the patients pelvic bone (iliac crest) and sent to the laboratory where they are sterilized, selected, and concentrated in a sample which is implanted on the next day or the day after. Stem cell implantation takes place by means of a cardiac catheter. For each patient an individual treatment concept is established, which in addition to treatment with adult stem cells includes also the removal of constrictions in coronary arteries in order to attain the best possible results for the patient. The cardiac catheter examination is performed in local anesthesia. A thin plastic lock is inserted into the femoral artery. Through this special catheters are pushed forward until they reach the heart. By injecting an iodine-containing contrast medium, it now becomes possible to use x-ray fluoroscopy to diagnose possible coronary artery illnesses and/or to clarify a limitation of the pumping function. Through this too, treatments in the coronary arteries can be performed. In addition to balloon expansion of constrictions and the implantation of vessel supports (stents), this includes the injection of adult stem cells.
Costs and indication
The cost of the XCell-Center heart treatment is 11,500 Euro. Patients suffering from ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who have a diminished left ventricular function may qualify for this life-changing treatment. Bone marrow stem cells have been used to treat thousands of heart patients around the world. Autologous adult bone marrow treatments are the focus of dozens of promising clinical trials in the United States, Europe, Japan and South America.
The XCell-Center in Cologne, Germany is the first privately-owned center in Europe to specialize in regenerative medicine using autologous bone marrow adult stem cell therapy. The XCell-Center in Dusseldorf, Germany has been inaugurated in January of 2009. Both XCell-Center facilities feature the latest medical equipment and technology. They boast a specialized medical team of German physicians includes: neurologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, radiologists, hematologists, and pharmacologists.
The XCell-Center works in accordance with German law and European guidelines. The XCell-Center currently treats Diabetes and its complications (Erectile Dysfunction and Peripheral Artery Disease), different eye diseases, orthopedic diseases and sport injuries, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries, Heart Disease and degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, ALS and Alzheimer’s.
