Researching the Possibilities of Umbilical Cord Blood Cell-Based Therapies

Nov 6, 2014 | Suzanne Ferguson | @suzannerferguson

Regenerative therapies have been studied in adult patients with heart disease for quite some time with promising results. At Mayo Clinic, we are currently conducting a clinical trial to determine if the cells found in umbilical cord blood can be used safely to strengthen the right ventricle in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Cord blood cells are injected into the heart during the Glenn procedure, typically the second surgical procedure for HLHS patients. It is our hope that by using regenerative therapy, we can delay or even prevent the need for a heart transplant. In our recently published paper, we communicate our initial success and look forward to future possibilities this research could bring.

Participation in this clinical trial requires cord blood to be collected at the time of delivery according to a Mayo Clinic process specific for cardiac regenerative therapies. Cord blood samples that have been banked privately are not eligible for use in this clinical trial. To learn more about our cord blood clinical trial, visit the website or contact us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a collaborative network of specialists bonded by the vision of delaying or preventing heart failure for individuals affected by congenital heart defects including HLHS. The specialized team is addressing the various aspects of these defects by using research and clinical strategies ranging from basic science, to diagnostic imaging to regenerative therapies.