What is the Stem Cell?
How long should I stay for Stem Cell?
How is it performed?
What is the post-sugical care?
What are the possible risks and complications?
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Stem cells are special cells that can turn into many different cell types such as heart muscle cells, brain cells. It can be collected from embryonic, certain adult tissues (Bone Marrow, Peripheral Blood) and umbilical cord blood. Now, it can treat blood diseases such as Thalassemia, Leukemia, Bone Marrow Dysfunction and also heart disease.
Stem cell therapy for heart disease: several clinical trials targeting heart disease have shown that adult stem cell therapy is safe and effective. The most well known company is Theravitae, a private company located in Bangkok, Thailand. More than 250 heart patients have traveled to Thailand to receive Theravitae’s adult stem cell therapy called Vescell to treat their heart disease. Theravitae reports that 75% of their heart patients have an improved quality of life after receiving their adult stem cell treatment.
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How long should I stay for Stem Cell?
It is advisable to stay in Thailand approximately 3 weeks to complete a whole process. On an arrival day in Thailand, a patient should stay in a hotel to relax from a long flight and have a surgery on the following day. Blood collection will be done 7 days before the treatment and usually requires 6-8 nights in the hospital. Post operative check up will be done 7 days after treatment.
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You have to undergo a number of blood and physical tests to ensure that you are eligible for the therapy. If you are the right candidate, your blood will be collected and sent to laboratory where the stem cells will be extracted and cultured. One week after blood collection, everything will be ready for the therapy. The prepared stem cells will be transplant into your body.
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What is the post-sugical care?
After the treatment, you will be closely monitored in Intensive Care Unit for 2-3 days. When your condition is stable, you will be moved to your ward and stay there for 4-5 days. You will be discharged when approved by physician.
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What are the possible risks and complications?
At present stem cell therapy for heart disease is still in experimental process, risks and complications are possible, including:
Graft failure
Infection
Bleeding
Pain