Myocardial implantation of a combination stem cell product by using a transendocardial MYOSTAR injection catheter: A technical assessment

Abstract

Aim: Different types of progenitor cells have been used to improve cardiac conditions after myocardial infarction (MI). Results have shown that while the infusion of a single cell type is safe and feasible, efficacy is modest. Recently, the use of a combination, rather than a single, stem cell product has emerged as an attractive option to improve cardiac outcome after a MI. Before initiating a phase II clinical trial to assess safety and efficacy after the transendocardial infusion of a combination stem cell product, a bench testing assay was designed to validate that delivery through the injection catheter is not associated with cell loss/damage. The latter is important since mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), a component of the cell product, consist of large cells expressing matrix molecules and adhesive receptors.

Methods: The cell product (a mixture of mononuclear cells and MSC) was sequentially injected through a Myostar injection catheter. Exiting fractions were assessed for cell number, viability, capability to restart cell growth and immunophenotype.

Results: Cell recovery and viability were high. In turn, exiting cells preserved their biological properties and immunophenotype. Conclusions: Delivery of cells through a Myostar catheter is safe and not associated with changes in cell survival and/or properties.

Keywords::

• Transendocardial delivery
• stem cells
• Myostar injection catheter

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.