Video-assisted thoracoscopic transplantation of myoblasts into the heart

Currently, cells are transplanted into injured myocardium either through thoracotomy for open surgical delivery or through catheterization for endoventricular or intracoronary delivery; both methods have limitations. Open surgical delivery limits the potential patient population, whereas catheter-based delivery limits the ability to visualize the injection site and confirm delivery of the cells to the appropriate region. In this study, we examine the feasibility of cell transplantation into myocardium using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach.

Seven swine underwent thoracoscopic cell transplantation. Using a prototype injection device, approximately 10 million myoblasts were injected into the anterior, lateral, posterior, and apical regions of myocardium. Animals were recovered up to 7 days, and after euthanasia, hearts were explanted for histology.

All seven swine had successful delivery of myoblasts into the defined injection sites, as confirmed by analysis of an operative video, magnetic resonance imaging of iron-oxide-labeled cells, and histologic examination.

Thoracoscopic cellular cardiomyoplasty is feasible and allows the surgeon the benefits of direct visualization of the cell injection while minimizing morbidity associated with open cell delivery.