Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine: reporting from American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Chicago, November 12-15, 2006

Thorsten Dill

Simon Hoerstrup

Harvey White

REPAIR-AMI Study: Bone Marrow Cells Improve Ejection Fraction, Reduce Remodeling

REFERENCE: Abstract: 3770THORSTEN DILL, Kerckhoff-Klinik, Bad NauheimProgenitor cells from bone marrow, infused directly into coronary arteries of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, have improved left ventricular function, reduced adverse cardiac remodeling and brought clinical benefits. These findings, measured by magnetic resonance imaging, come from a sub-study of the German REPAIR-AMI trial presented to the AHA sessions byThorsten Dill. He answered questions from Peter Goodwin.

Heart Valves Grown from Amniotic Stem Cells to Repair Congenital Defects in Newborn Babies

REFERENCE: Abstract: 3445SIMON HOERSTRUP, University Hospital, ZurichCongenital heart malformations may soon be repaired by tissue-engineered valves, bio-engineered from stem cells and implanted into newborn babies. At the AHA sessionsSimon Hoerstrupshowed images of autologous human living heart valves formed by growing fetal amniotic stem cells on bio-degradable polymer scaffolds. He told Sarah Maxwell about their progress so far.

Anti-Thrombin Therapy for Acute Coronary Syndromes: Latest Study Results

Abstracts 3294 to 3303 AHA Oral Session, WednesdayHARVEY WHITE, Green Lane Hospital, AucklandAnti-thrombin therapies for patients with acute coronary syndromes were the subject of a session covering such new agents as fondaparinux and bivalirudin, and discussing therapy with heparins, aspirin, clopidogrel and glycoprotein 2b3a inhibitors.Harvey Whiteco-chaired the session and told Peter Goodwin what he thought were some of the key clinical implications emerging.