[Stem cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction]

Abstract

Remodeling of the left ventricle after myocardial infarction represents a major cause of infarct-related heart failure and death. Experimental data suggest that bone marrow-derived cells may contribute to the healing of myocardial infarction. The selective intracoronary transplantation of autologous, mononuclear bone marrow cells is safe and seems to be effective under clinical conditions concerning heart function, myocardial perfusion, and metabolism. The therapeutic effect may be attributed to bone marrow cell-associated myocardial regeneration and neovascularization.