B. Schumacher et al., The stimulation of neoangiogenesis in the ischemic human heart by the growth factor FGF: First clinical results, J CARD SURG, 39(6), 1998, pp. 783-789
Background. This paper is a report of our clinical experience with the huma
n growth factor FGF as applied to the ischemic human myocardium.
Methods. After the completion of extensive preliminary animal experiments,
the growth factor FGF, obtained from genetically manipulated E. coli bacter
ia and highly purified, was introduced into aortocoronary bypass surgery as
an additional therapeutic agent. A double blind study was carried out on 4
0 patients with CHD, separated into "growth factor" and control groups, eac
h containing 20 members. All the patients were treated for threefold vascul
ar disease, in each case with an IMA bypass for the LAD acid single venous
bypasses for the RCX and/or RCA. In order to bridge over additional periphe
ral stenoses in the LAD or one of its branches, human growth factor FGF was
injected into the myocardium of those in the growth factor group. Twelve w
eeks later, the IMA bypasses were selectively demonstrated by intraarterial
DSA, These angiographs were then quantitatively evaluated.
Results. In all patients of the growth factor group, the formation of new v
essels could be demonstrated in the region where FGF had been administered,
in a manner strictly reminiscent of our experimental results, A capillary
net sprouting from the coronary artery and making further connection with t
his vessel could be demonstrated, and the computer-supported evaluation of
the angiographs showed a significant increase in the blood supply of the re
gion of the myocardium injected.
Conclusions. It is therefore our opinion that employment of the human growt
h factor FGF represents a useful extension to bypass surgery, particularly
for patients with an additional peripheral stenosis that cannot be operativ
ely revascularized.