Researchers have found a new way to fix damaged hearts that doesn’t involve open-heart surgery. This could transform the treatment approach for heart failure in the future. The development includes a piece of heart tissue that has been repaired by adult stem cells that have been reprogrammed. In preclinical trials, this stem cell patch made the heart work better and heal faster. It can be given through a small cut, where the surgery isn’t necessary.
This method offers patients with advanced heart failure new options, as the current treatment options are restricted to heart transplants and mechanical assist devices, according to lead researcher Wuqiang Zhu, PhD. A significant advancement in regenerative cardiac therapy is represented by the study published in Acta Biomaterialia.
Heart attacks continue to rank among the world’s leading causes of death, and cells are deprived of oxygen during an attack because blood flow through the coronary arteries is obstructed. When oxygen-starved cells die, the nonfunctional scar tissue takes their place. “The adult human heart doesn’t regenerate once those cells are lost,” Dr. Zhu said. The treatment for heart failure became difficult due to this lack of regeneration.
Researchers have investigated using stem cell-derived cells to replace damaged tissue. Early methods showed promise, but most required surgery, which is too risky for patients with severe heart failure.
This limitation is addressed by the new approach, and the team, in collaboration with engineers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, created a patch made of gelatin-coated nanofibers and microfibers. Fibroblasts, the cells that create connective tissue frameworks, vascular cells, and cardiac muscle cells, were all supported by this scaffold. To encourage blood vessel formation and improve cell survival following transplantation, the bioactive substances, such as fibroblast growth factor-1 and CHIR99021, were added.
A minimally invasive thoracic incision is used to deploy the patch to the desired area of the heart after it has been folded and placed through a catheter. Using a biocompatible surgical adhesive, it unfolds and adheres to the heart’s surface once in position, reducing tissue damage.
Long-term preclinical studies will be the focus of future research to guarantee the efficacy and safety of the device. A significant new option for treating heart failure may be offered by extending stem cell therapy to patients who are too frail for open-heart surgery.
References:  Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic researchers identify a new stem cell patch to gently heal damaged hearts. Published November 5, 2025. Accessed November 11, 2025. Mayo Clinic researchers identify a new stem cell patch to gently heal damaged hearts Â
