Not in the United States at least not at this time. But it IS an
option apparently elsewhere.

Here's a couple links to check out.

http://www.theravitae.com/

And

http://www.vescell.com/

I had open heart surgery 14 months ago. Single bypass, mammary to lad
and I've had more than 40 intravenous chelation treatments since then
and plan on continuing with oral chelation and intravenous chelation
maintenence.

However I went for a check up 2 weeks ago. Carotids came back
slightly better than the last 2 check ups. Right femoral artery still
blocked 100% although amble flow remains because of collaterals. Left
leg is a different issue and while the ABI seemed "ok", the test did
show significant blockage in the left common illiac. A stent is
suggested as a fix.

Worst part is the call from the cardiologist with the stress test
results. Here they are:

Patient excercised 5 minutes 17 seconds on a Bruce protocol stopping
secondary to claudication and fatigue. He had no angina. Baseline
heart rate 79, maximum heart rate 151 reflecting 89% of age predicted
maximum. Baseline blood pressure 138/60, peak blook pressure 180/80.
Baseline O2 sat 96%, peak O2 sat 98%. The 12 lead ECG findings,
baseline ECG demonstrates normal sinus rythm. There is an incomplete
right bundle branch block present, non specific T-wave changes. Peak
stress ECG demonstrates no ichemic ST-T wave changes, no dysrythmia.

Scinigraphy Results: Review of the scintigraphy including short axis,
horizontal long axis vertical long axis imaging demonstrates a
moderately severe and moderately sized anteroapical perfusion
abnormality stress, which has full reversibility at rest. The gated
wall motion study demonstrates hypokinesis to the anteroapex and EF
of 53%. The resting first pass EF 50%.

Overall Impression:
1. Fair exercise capacity
2) Normal blood pressure and heart rate responsive to exercise
3. Abnormal perfusion consitent with ischemia in the anteroapical
distribution
4. Low normal left ventricular systolic function

After saying hello to me his next sentence was " I wish I had better
news for you. Thinks it's a failed bypass, NOT due to plaque and
blockage but wants me to do a heart cath to find out what's what and
to see if " hopefully we can fix it by either popping it open with
angioplast or helping me with medication".

I'm going for another stress test elsewhere although I don't
necessarily see the point.

I did ask him if this will get progressively worse and he indicated
that in his opinion it's as bad as it's going to get although over
time it will weaken my heart and that I need to limit any strenous
exercise, be on beta blockers etc.

I have in the meantime had 3 conversations with Therevitae in
Thailand and I am very open to pursuing stem cell treatment for my
PAD as well as heart issues. It's expensive but hey, oh well huh?

Anyone else look into stem cell treatment, have any opinions on the
above or have anything to post that we can all draw from?

Rgrds
Tom
Port Charlotte