title: A surgical technique of spinal cord cell transplantation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: We report an original method for implanting bone marrow stem cells within the spinal cord parenchyma. This method was used for the experimental treatment of patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The methodology is reproducible and devoid of major complications even in patients showing significant spinal atrophy. Therefore, this report describes a surgical procedure that could be used in other experimental treatments involving the intraspinal delivery of stem cells.
authors.affiliation: Transplant and Cell Therapy Unit, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Hospital (University of Murcia), Faculty of Medicine, Ctra. de Cartagena, km 7, E-30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain. miguelblanquer@gmail.com
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blanquer
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pérez-Espejo
authors.forename: Juan F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Martínez-Lage
authors.forename: Francisca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Iniesta
authors.forename: Salvador
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Jose M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Moraleda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000473:pathology; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D016896:Treatment Outcome