Autologous stem cell therapy for peripheral arterial disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common cause of disability and mortality. The reconstruction of blood circulation presents to be the key to treatment, which can be achieved by surgery and interventional therapy. Since 40% patients have lost the chance for the therapy, a new method is needed to reduce the amputation and mortality rate for "no-option" patients. The objective of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous implantation of stem cells in patients with PAD critically, compared with active controls and placebo.