Harnessing the Potential of Human Autologous Stem Cells to Treat Refractory Angina.

R efractory angina pectoris is a debilitating clinical condition that has typically been used to describe a subset of patients with chest pain syndrome on maximally tolerated antianginal medical therapy, demonstrable myocardial ischemia, and no coronary revascularization options (1). A multitude of novel treatment options directed at patients with refractory angina, ranging from interventional therapies such as coronary sinus reducer stents to metabolic modulations and therapeutic angiogenesis, are now undergoing more rigorous evaluation (1).