May 3, 2007 – Ischemic heart disease, and specifically coronary artery disease (CAD), is the leading killer of both men and women in the US today. Over 110 CAD patients from America now have a new lease on life, thanks to the pioneering efforts of one of Asia’s leading cardiologists, Dr. Suphachai Chaithraphan, Chairman of the Executive Board of Chaophya (pronounced chow-pea-uh) Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, and Director of its Cardiac Center.
In collaboration with a leading biotechnology firm, TheraVitae, Dr. Suphachai and his staff at Chaophya Hospital in Bangkok Thailand have been treating medically qualified end-stage coronary artery disease patients with this innovative cell therapy procedure since 2005. This procedure provides Americans, whose medical treatment options in the U.S. are exhausted or otherwise out of reach, with a chance for a prolonged and greatly improved quality of life. Many patients have reported this treatment has provided them a new lease on life.
The treatment – autologous cell therapy - uses circulating adult stem cells harvested from the patient’s own blood. The cells are then greatly expanded in number in the laboratory, and approximately one week later reinfused back into the patient’s blood vessels that supply blood flow to the heart muscle. The injected cells migrate out of the blood vessel's lumen and take hold in the ischemic muscle region where they stimulate the formation of new blood vessels to bring more blood flow to the needy heart muscle fibers.
Cell collection is accomplished through a simple blood collection procedure, and is virtually painless. The cell therapy treatment is similar to, and carries roughly the same risks as, a widely practiced procedure called percutaneous balloon angioplasty. The beneficial effect becomes clinically discernable usually after one month and becomes maximal at 3-6 months.
This treatment is not available in the U.S. outside of clincial trials.
“Coronary artery disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. We want to responsibly inform no-option patients with end-stage ischemic heart disease that there are additional treatment options”, said Dr. Suphachai, “and to make them aware that one effective option, autologous cell therapy, is available now at Chaophya Hospital.” Furthermore, Dr. Suphachai states, “Americans can be assured that they will receive the high-quality medical and patient care at Chaophya Hospital that they are accustomed to receiving in the US.”
Dr. Suphachai is visitng the U.S. this May lecturing on this topic at several hospitals, including Beth Israel Hospital in New York City, where he did his cardiology fellowship and was a staff attending cardiologist prior to his return to Thailand in 1974. In addition, Dr. Suphachai will give a free public information session on autologous cell therapy treatment on Thursday evening, May 24, 2007 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
For more information on Chaophya Hospital, the Chaophya Heart Center and the cell therapy procedure, please visit the Chaophya Hospital web site, www.chaophya.com. To interview Dr. Suphachai in LA or NY in May, please contact Leslee Hall by email leslee@partnerconcepts.com or phone 410.224.7688.
About Chaophya Hospital and Prof. Suphachai Chaithraphan, MD
Chaophya Hospital, incorporated in 1988, is a leading private health care institution in Thailand, providing teritiary care to local and international patients. The hospital received ISO9001:2000 certification in 2001.
Under the leadership of Prof. Suphachai Chaithiraphan, MD, Chaophya Hospital is privileged to be at ground zero of the innovative stem cell therapy for end-stage ischemic heart disease patients and a trailblazer in translating stem cell research from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside. Since March 2005, more than 80 patients from U.S., U.K., Southeast Asian and the Middle East regions have been treated successfully and it is expected that the number of patients will grow rapidly in the coming months and years.
Prof. Suphachai Chaithraphan, MD is one of the leading cardiologists in Asia. He did his cardiology fellowship and several years of cardiology practice at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. Dr. Suphachai is immediate past President of ASEAN Federation of Cardiology, the Thai Heart Association and the Thai Atherosclerosis Society. He is current President, Asia-Pacific Society of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Disease. Among his many other global credentials, he is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand, and Board Certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Cardiology, and Thai Board of Internal Medicine and Cardiology.
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For information or press office materials contact:
Leslee Hall
c/o Partner Concepts LLC
Internet: www.partnerconcepts.com
Telephone: 410-224-7688
Fax: 410-224-1499
email: leslee@partnerconcepts.com
Chaophya Hospital
ATTN. Annie Thatphithakkul
Telephone: +662 434 1111 ext. 1199
Email: international@chaophya.com
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