The Use of Stem Cells in Treatment for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

What is being done in 2022 to help children born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)? Is it possible to consider there may be a day when heart defects can actually be cured? What event is occurring on February 3, 2022 to raise funds to stamp out congenital heart defects?

Dr. Timothy Nelson is the director of the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for HLHS at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Nelson’s research work is focused on cardiovascular regeneration using bioengineered stem cells to improve the ability to discover, diagnose, and ultimately treat mechanisms of degenerative diseases. 

As director of the program, Dr. Nelson and his team are specifically interested in the cause of HLHS and finding ways to delay and prevent heart failure for individuals with HLHS. To better understand and treat this congenital heart disease, the program has taken a multifaceted approach that includes research into stem cells, genetics, imaging tools, and the creation of a biorepository. The program has launched clinical trials using autologous stem cells, also known as stem cells collected from an individual’s own body.

In June 2020, “HeartWorks” was created to accelerate and expand the product development undertaken by the program at the Mayo Clinic. 

This episode includes discussion about Dr.  Timothy Nelson's research as well as a conversation about an important, upcoming fundraising event.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Jennifer Gutman on "Heart to Heart with Anna" talking about her HLHS child's participation in the Mayo Clinic's stem cell research project 

Dr. Timothy Nelson on "Heart to Heart with Anna" in Season 9.

A Cure is in the Works Celebration

Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for HLHS

Please visit our Social Media and Podcast pages:

Apple Podcasts -- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/

MeWe -- https://mewe.com/i/annajaworski

Twitter -- https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworski

YouTube -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5Zw

Website -- https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/