Patent ID: 7214371
Filing Date: 2007-05-08
Classification: A61L,C12N

Abstract:
1. A method for repairing a damaged myocardium in a mammal, comprising: a) providing a three-dimensional porous polysaccharide matrix; b) introducing mammalian cells into said matrix; c) growing said cells in said matrix in vitro, until a tissue-engineered biograft is formed, comprising a contracting tissue; and d) transplanting the tissue-engineered biograft onto myocardial tissue or myocardial scar tissue of said mammal, optionally previously removing scar or dead tissue from the site of implantation; wherein the mammalian cells are fetal, autologous, or allogeneic cardiomyocytes, and wherein said polysaccharide matrix further comprises controlled-release polymeric microspheres, said microspheres being capable of releasing soluble angiogenic growth factors in a controlled manner.