Cord Blood Stem Cells Information

Stem Cells?

Has any stem cell surgery been done to humans, ever? If so, what did it do, was it a success or failure, and also add in any additional details please.

Public Comments

Yes, there has been stem cell surgery done on humans (but not much, because scientists have been held back due to major religious/ethical concerns about how they get the stem cells). A man's eyesight was saved by stem cell surgery four years ago. Edward Bailey could no longer see out of his left eye after an accident at work (he was 61). After previous cornea transplants failed, they did a procedure that involved transplanting stem cells grown in a laboratory into his eye. This was followed by another cornea transplant (with the stem cells placed on the cornea to encourage growth and healing). Needless to say, it was a success (though his vision is still slightly blurred in that eye). For more information: http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/10/17/edward.bailey/ Other examples of successful adult stem cell treatment successes can be found here: http://www.cogforlife.org/adultStemCellSuccess.htm There are a lot of new possibilites opening up in stem cell surgery. Here are two examples: Early this year (March/April) a British medical team grew a human heart valve from stem cells for the first time. If everything goes well, they hope to treat people suffering from heart disease in three years. For more information on this, visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,2048062,00.html Another example of progress involving stem cells: stem cell surgery for ageing eyes (macular degeneration (blindness) caused by old age) might be available in five years. The operation would be able to restore sight even to the point of being able to do everyday tasks. The treatment involves embryonic stem cells grown in a laboratory. For more information: http://www.elixirnews.com/newsView.php?id=998&catID=22