History

• Stem-cell research began in the mid 1800s, but it was not until the early 1900s that it was discovered that blood cells could be generated. Stem-cell research has involved animal and human cells. Some of the controversy for stem-cell research is over the involvement of human embryos. Since 1973, the United States government has gone back and forth between allowing and banning stem-cell research. In recent years, scientists have discovered alternate methods of gathering stem cells that are less controversial.
  
  

Significance

• Stem-cell treatment can provide an alternative treatment option for a multitude of health problems. If you suffer from coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy, stem-cell treatment is a new treatment. Heart problems often involve a reduction in blood flow. Over time, the drop in blood flow can cause damage to the tissue of the heart and thereby reduce function.
  
  

Source

• Stem cells can be gathered from a variety of sources, such as bone marrow, blood, fat and other organs. Immature stem cells can also be gathered from the newborn's umbilical cord. When cells from the umbilical cord are harvested and implanted into the body, the risk of rejection is lower.
  
  

Function

• Stem cells can be taken from the patient and used as part of a treatment to help heal heart tissue by repairing and replacing damaged heart tissue. Heart patients are injected with hormones then the patient exercises, which improves the stem-cell expansion so it can reach the heart more quickly. Stem cells can be injected into the arteries, veins or even directly into the muscle of the heart. However, the location of the injection often depends on the type of disease being treated.
  
  Stem cells can also be used to create organs from healthy cells. The newly generated organs can be used to replace the ones that are damaged. This process can be used to create a variety of new organs, such as a windpipe or a heart.
  
  

Risks

• Stem-cell transplantation for heart problems is a surgical procedure, which does involve risk. The stem cells are administered to the patient through a catheter. There is a risk of perforation and blood clotting. It is important that a patient's condition be carefully assessed prior to participating in stem-cell clinical studies or treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
  
  

Potential

• Stem-cell heart treatment is still in early stages of development. Dr. Jeffrey Karp of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute states that it might be possible for stem-cell treatment to become available for more patients over the next decade. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates medical techniques, including stem-cell research for heart problems.