FREEPORT, The Bahamas (PRWEB) November 22, 2013 — Okyanos Heart Institute has announced that its chief medical officer and interventional cardiologist, Howard Walpole, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., will address the International Stem Cell Society (STEMSO) Global Conference to be held at the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, February 19-22, 2014. Dr. Walpole will be speaking about delivery systems for adult stem cell therapy to treat coronary artery disease on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The conference, titled “Bridging the Gap: Research to Point of Care,” brings together medical scientists, clinicians, ethicists, regulatory experts, and investors to discuss progress in the field of research and clinical protocols.

“In this session, I will provide a summary of the different options based on current research for transplanting adult stem cells into the heart,” said Walpole. “In starting to deliver cell therapy outside the clinical trial environment, it is important to know what the data indicates about the pros and cons of each delivery method depending upon the patient condition. An interventional cardiologist can then review the measurements to compare the different options and potential indications for each method. Methods include intravenous, catheter into artery or heart muscle, injection with open heart surgery, patch delivery and more.”

In this session, I will provide a summary of the different options based on current research for trans-planting adult stem cells into the heart.

Dr. Howard Walpole, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI

Other prominent speakers will include Dr. Glen S. Beneby, F.R.C.A., and Scott Edelstein. Dr. Beneby is an appointed member of the National Task Force for Stem Cell Research in The Bahamas, and chairman of the National Consultative Committee, leading the consultative process for the Stem Cell Research & Therapy Bill 2013. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recognized Beneby as a Health Hero in 2002. In 2005 he was given a citation from the American Embassy for medical service in the Caribbean region. Scott Edelstein, J.D., M.P.A., co-chair of Squire Sanders’ Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Group and a member of its Healthcare Reform Task Force, is a recognized expert in international healthcare issues. Edelstein advises clients engaged in cross-border medical services, patient mobility and medical tourism programs as well as financing healthcare infrastructure. In 2012, the Medical Tourism Association presented Edelstein with the first Justitia Award for achievements enhancing the medical tourism and international healthcare industry, and he received the 2009 Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

“It is of paramount importance for the stem cell industry to consider and solicit varied positions from all stake holders and to create a forum for open and respectful dialogue regarding commercialization and translational applications of stem cell treatment options for patients,” said Douglas Hammond, president of STEMSO. “This was the catalyst for our conference.”

About Okyanos Heart Institute: (Oh – key – AH – nos)
Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institute’s mission is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. Okyanos Treatment utilizes a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells derived from one’s own adipose (fat) tissue. The cells, when placed into the heart via a minimally-invasive catheterization, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The treatment facilitates blood flow in the heart and supports intake and use of oxygen (as demonstrated in rigorous clinical trials such as the PRECISE trial). The literary name Okyanos (“Oceanos”) symbolizes flow. For more information, go to http://www.okyanos.com.

The International Stem Cell Society, STEMSO, is a member-based, international, non-profit 501(c) 6 trade association for the purpose of promoting the interests of the global, adult stem cell healthcare industry while linking patients and stakeholders with member medical organizations. STEMSO provides information, education, resources, advocacy and public awareness for the advancement of the adult stem cell industry. For more information, go to http://www.stemso.org.