The Effects of Cell Therapy on Myocardial Recovery in Chronic Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Pilot Trial (CELL-VAD Pilot)
The goal of CELL-VAD Pilot trial is to investigate a personalized stem cell therapy approach for patients with advanced non-ischemic chronic heart failure (NICM) who are supported by LVAD. In the clinical trial, the investigators aim to enroll 10 patients with NICM, scheduled for LVAD implantation. After successful LVAD implantation, patients will be enrolled and followed for 2 months to allow for postoperative rehabilitation and heart failure medical therapy and LVAD support optimization. All patients will then undergo autologous CD34+ cell therapy which will be intracoronaryly delivered to the target myocardium using NOGA electromechanical mapping system. All patients will be followed for 6 months after cell therapy. At baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after cell therapy, the investigators will perform comprehensive clinical evaluation.
• non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
• patient accepted for LVAD support
• optimal (or maximal tolerable therapy) heart failure ≥ 2 months
• age 18-65 years
• ability to provide informed consent