The IMPACT-CABG trial: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial of CD133+ stem cell therapy during coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic cardiomyopathy

The trial successfully met both primary and secondary objectives, demonstrating that same-day isolation and autologous CD133+ cell delivery with coronary artery bypass grafting is safe and feasible. The positive findings support a larger randomized, multicenter trial, with higher numbers of transplanted cells to demonstrate beneficial effects. The upcoming IMPACT-CABG II trial will evaluate higher cell doses and pharmacologic enhancement to determine whether these cells improve perfusion and myocardial function.