Abstract
Cell transplantation for myocardial regeneration has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Here, we discuss the application of CD 271+ bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMCs) as novel markers for the enrichment of mesenchymal somatic stem cells. Injection of BMCs into ischaemic myocardium during surgery has been shown to be both feasible and safe. This novel approach might hold promise as an alternative to medical management in patients with severe ischaemic heart failure who are ineligible for conventional revascularisation.