Clinical Trials Are Testing Stem Cells as Heart Failure Treatment

August 19, 2009

In the hope of rejuvenating his failing heart, Brent Benson, 68, signed up to have his own stem cells injected directly into the deteriorating organ. As part of a clinical trial at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, stem cells were extracted from bone marrow taken from Benson’s hip, processed, and a few weeks later injected into his heart. The 30-some injections targeted areas of his heart that were essentially hibernating—not well-functioning, yet not scarred, as a particularly damaged heart can become after injury. (US News and World Report)