Possible new treatment to improve blood flow in heart

  I understand there are studies underway to inject I believe proteins directly into the heart to create new channels for blood flow.  Is my understanding correct?  If so , where do the studies stand?  What have been the results to date? How far along is this study?  What is the prognosis?
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Dear Ray:
There are gene products being infused into the coronary arteries [and subsequently through peripheral veins] to spur the formation of new blood vessels in the heart.  This work is at an early stage and is still experimental.  Not every patient is eligible for these experimental therapies.  Experimental data suggests that this is a promising new form of treating patients with severe coronary artery disease.  However, the long term prognosis and long term side effects are unknown.
The Cleveland Clinic is pioneering these new treatments and you would be welcome to make an appointment here.  Dr. Ellis, the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, is the lead investigator.
I wish you the best of luck.
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.