title: Myocardial implantation of a combination stem cell product by using a transendocardial MYOSTAR injection catheter: A technical assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: TCA Cellular Therapy, Covington, LA 70433, USA. drminguell@tcaway.com
authors.forename: Jose J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Minguell
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lorino
authors.forename: Gabriel P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Lasala
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003114:Colony-Forming Units Assay; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*