Stem Cell Therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

There are several medical conditions that result in damage in the blood vessels and arteries of the extremities. Damage in these areas can reduce the amount of blood a limb receives, lowering the amount of oxygen available to that limb for use during function. The only current options available to patients with PAD are surgical correction, with the final option of amputation if surgery is not beneficial.

There may be new hope for patients however, as regenerative treatment with stem cell therapy is showing remarkable progress in the repair and growth of new blood vessels.

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the combination of these damaging conditions, which include diabetes, Buerger’s disease, and ASO. PSD results in impairment of blood and oxygen flow to the external limbs. After an extended period of time with reduced oxygen, the tissue of these areas becomes damaged.

There is currently only one advisable option available to patients with impaired flow: surgical revascularization in an attempt to return optimal blood flow to the limb. For patients who do not find success with this procedure, amputation of the limb is the last option.

What can Stem Cell Therapy do for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Autologous stem cell (stem cells that come from the body of the patient they are to be used on, called self-cells) therapy is currently the subject of much research. Due to the ability of these stem cells to become nearly any other cell of the body, researchers are attempting to inject stem cells into the damaged limb to spur the growth of new blood vessels. These new blood vessels will theoretically be able to restore the transportation of blood and oxygen to the limbs, diminishing or reverting the damaging effects of PAD.

Two separate approaches in Stem Cell Therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease

As of this writing, there are two primary approaches in the treatment of PAD through stem cell therapy. The first is the direct harvesting of stem cells from the bone marrow of the patient for use in therapy. Alternatively, a hormone will be administered into the patient to stimulate bone marrow into producing excess stem cells. These will be freely released into the blood stream where they can be collected via routine blood withdrawal.

Regardless of the stem cell collection method used, the stem cells will be isolated and multiplied to increase their numbers. Once a sufficient number of cells are present, they will be transplanted back into the patient. The delivery method of these stem cells may vary, with several different methods currently under testing.

Current Studies and Research for PAD treatment through Stem Cell Therapy

There is substantial evidence that this method of stem cell treatment is sound and that it can potentially produce the desired effect in patients with Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The best method of collection and re-implantation are still currently under research, which a number of studies currently actively recruiting patients.

Physician First Choice offers stem cell treatments with Board Certified doctors, including treatment for peripheral artery disease. For more information and scheduling, call (888) 988-0515.