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Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Growth Factor for Bypassing Arteries/Relieving AnginaForum: The Heart Forum
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I understand that the Cleveland Clinic is currently studying a treatment to stimulate growth of arteries around blockages of the heart. Could you explain what is being studied? I have long suffered from chest pain, but my doctor tells me that I am not a good candidate for bypass surgery or angioplasty. He recently told me about you Heart Center and its study. How might I go about finding out more about the study? Whom may I contact? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear James: Angiogenesis therapy involves injecting a growth factor into the heart arteries during a cardiac catheterization (and subsequent intravenous infusions). The growth factor causes new blood vessels to form around blockages in the heart arteries. The treatment is experimental, and not everyone with severe blockages of the heart arteries is a candidate. Dr. Stephen Ellis, the head of the cardiac catheterization laboratory, performs the procedure. Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with Dr. Ellis at Desk F25.
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