William Hart of Ottumwa is a good example. Ten years after he had heart bypass surgery, Hart developed blockages in his coronary arteries. Unfortunately, those arteries were too fragile to withstand further surgery or angioplasty-his only options at most medical institutions.

Luckily for Hart, he was chosen to become the very first Iowan to receive a new treatment being developed by UI Heart and Vascular Center researchers.

Designed to help patients with severe end-stage heart disease, the treatment uses gene therapy techniques to grow new blood vessels in the heart. John Lopez, MD, UI assistant professor of internal medicine, and Wayne Richenbacher, MD, UI associate professor of surgery, are conducting the cutting-edge research, which continues University of Iowa Health Care's tradition of research leadership.

So far, Hart's results have been promising: he's able to walk longer on the treadmill and is experiencing less pain and shortness of breath. Best of all, tests show his heart appears to have sprouted more and larger blood vessels. If that's the case, the treatment appears to be working for him.

Another innovative technique being used at UI Heart and Vascular Center to improve blood flow in the heart involves using a laser to drill tiny holes in the heart, to allow blood to reach areas of the heart that aren't receiving enough.

"UI Heart and Vascular Center is one of just a few centers in the world with doctors who have ample experience in both of these new treatments," says Dr. Lopez. "Thanks to our success with these techniques, we're giving hope to some patients who might not otherwise have had any."

For more information about UI Heart and Vascular Center research, contact us online, or call 319-384-8442 or 1-800-777-8442.