Wanted! The best cell for cardiac regeneration.

espite the development of novel pharmacological strateies and electrophysiological and surgical treatment regiens, heart failure remains one of the major causes of ortality in the western world. Heart failure can develop as consequence of myocardial infarction despite revascularzation procedures. Ischemia-induced death of cardiac myoytes results in scar formation and reduced contractility of he ventricle. Cell therapy for the regeneration of contractile issue or the improvement of vascularization was proposed s a novel therapeutic option. Several distinct cell types were sed in experimental and first clinical pilot trials. The crucial uestion currently is: which cells are best suited for cardiac egeneration and vascularization? Obviously, the answer to his question is complex. Practical and safety issues as well s the different types of patients we have to treat have a ajor impact. Moreover, the different routes of cell delivery, ither by intravenous/intracoronary infusion or intramyoardial injection, can yield different outcomes.