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A cardiovascular treatment based on stem cell technology could encourage arteries to repair themselves.

An implant coated with stem cell-produced cells that encourage the body to heal itself could dramatically reduce the number of heart attacks and deaths in heart patients who have undergone surgery to clear blocked arteries.

The technology is being developed by a consortium involving stem cell company

, medical device maker

, the Centre for Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) and the Cardiovascular Research Unit (CVRU) at the

.

Led by Axordia, the team will spend two and a half years on pre-clinical trials to develop a new method of cardiovascular treatment that will encourage arteries to repair themselves.

The treatment involves implanting a new kind of stent — a tiny, metallic, mesh-like tube that keeps arteries propped open after artery-clearing procedures such as angioplasty.

The new type of stent will contain endovascular cells, created by stem cells, which have a remarkable ability to divide and replenish damaged tissue within the artery, so should promote rapid healing at the site of the implant. They will also reduce inflammation and act to prevent rejection of the implant.

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