Study of a skeletal myoblast stem cell treatment using an investigational cardiac direct injection catheter compared to placebo in congestive heart failure patients post myocardial infarction.

The purpose of this study is to determine if percutaneous intramyocardial injections of skeletal myoblast cells can improve symptoms of chronic heart failure by stimulating angiogenesis.  Nationwide, 390 patients will be recruited for this study.  At Rush University Medical Center we expect to recruit approximately 20 patients. The treatment will be assigned randomly. 

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• Are between 18 and 80 years of age

• Have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less and have New York Heart Association function class III-IV heart failure

• Have a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack) more than 3 months prior to screening

You are not eligible for this study if you:

• Do not have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Are unable to perform a 6 minute walk test
• Are unable to undergo surgical biopsy of skeletal muscle
• Have serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL or more

This is a partial list of eligibility and exclusion criteria. To determine if you are eligible to participate, please call the contact phone number provided. If you choose to respond by e-mail, please refer to the title of the study in your correspondence.