We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Stem Cell Technology Helps Repair Heart Damage

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Jan 2015
Print article
Image: Microstructure of electrospun polyester (Photo courtesy of NuVascular Technologies).
Image: Microstructure of electrospun polyester (Photo courtesy of NuVascular Technologies).
A novel minimally invasive nanotechnology solution could improve heart function in as little as two to four weeks.

The BioGenerator stem cell device consists of two essential parts: a capsule made of a nanofibrous material that is woven into a scaffold using electrospinning technology, and human stem cells derived from adult bone marrow. Once prepared, the electrospun nanofibrous membrane capsule can either be stitched into the heart muscle wall, or injected into the heart muscle itself through a catheter. Both options are minimally invasive, do not require open heart surgery, and allow the heart to repair itself.

The BioGenerator works by controlling the dispersion of stem cells, while facilitating their removal when needed. But while the stem cells contained within the scaffold cannot escape, molecules such as proteins and growth factors derived from them can move through the membrane into the heart muscle, stimulating cardiac myocytes to grow and repair the damage within the damaged heart. The BioGenerator stem cell device is a product of NuVascular Technologies (Ashland, MA, USA), and was developed in conjunction with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI; Worcester, MA, USA).

“Our nanofibrous scaffold will ensure that the therapeutic benefit provided by stem cells will be localized directly to the damaged area of the heart,” said Matthew Phaneuf, BSc, founder and chief technical officer of NuVascular Technologies. “We are confident that our devices can provide a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for heart disease that can actually reverse the damage, rather than providing a temporary solution that often comes with complications.”

Electrospinning is a method of electrostatically depositing polymer nanofibers onto an object. By applying high voltage to a liquid polymer solution—such as polyester or polyurethane—a narrow, microscopic jet of viscous polymer solution is drawn towards a grounded surface. The solvent rapidly evaporates, leaving a solid layer of polymer nanofibers deposited onto the collecting surface. The resulting materials have synergistic microstructural and biological benefits that hold numerous advantages over conventional woven and knitted textile materials.

Related Links:

NuVascular Technologies
Worcester Polytechnic Institute


Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Gold Member
POC Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile Prime Plus
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Diagnostic Display System
C3MPL

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.