What is the big benefit of using stem cells for the heart, overall?
Dr. Hare: The big benefit would be that this would be broadly applicable. Again, we’ve got to talk about the cells a little bit because it’s not just the catheter; it’s what you’re putting through the catheter. Once we prove that a given cell type put through this catheter in a given patient works, then we’ll be able to seek approval for that from the FDA. We hope that in three to five years, this is a treatment that will be available around the world that any doctor who’s got a cath lab and has learned how to use this catheter and has access to the cells could treat patients. There are millions of patients who could potentially be treated in this fashion. Are the candidates for this procedure patients who have any damaged heart muscle from a heart attack, no matter how small? Dr. Hare: Yes. At this stage, we’re not focusing on only the big heart attacks; we’re focusing on little ones, too. Little heart attacks also cause problems. Little heart attacks can disrupt the electrical system
