How stem cell therapy may help with critical limb ischemia
In critical limb ischemia the arteries of the leg are so narrowed that the tissue below them is starved of oxygen. Pain arrives at rest, wounds are slow to close, and skin breaks down. Angioplasty, bypass and wound care open what can be opened and protect the skin. They do not address the inflammation in the small vessels and tissue that remain short of blood.
- Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in vessel walls and oxygen-starved tissue.
- Research examines how cell signalling may affect inflammation and the tissue environment. Evidence and clinical outcomes vary by application.
- Treatment is delivered intravenously, so the cells reach the vessels and the limb through the circulation.
- Cells are prepared in our own laboratory and used fresh, never frozen.
- The protocol is written for your circulation, your vascular imaging and your goals.
Concerns to discuss with your care team
Pain at rest
An ache or burning in the foot or calf that arrives at night and eases when the leg hangs down.
Wounds that will not close
Sores on the toes, heel or ankle that stay open for weeks.
Cold, pale or discoloured skin
A foot that is cooler than the other, with skin that has changed colour or thinned.
The fear of what comes next
Every check of the foot, and the word no one wants to hear in the clinic.
Who may be a candidate
Adults with diagnosed critical limb ischemia or severe peripheral artery disease that has stabilised under conventional care, but whose pain, wounds or mobility remain limited, may be evaluated. This includes patients told that further bypass or angioplasty is not an option. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history, vascular imaging, wound status and fitness to travel, never by a form.
Treatment is not offered where there is active infection, including an infected wound, unstable cardiac conditions, certain cancers, or other conditions identified in review.
What to expect
1. Evaluation
A call with a patient advisor, then a medical review of your records, vascular imaging and wound history.
2. Treatment plan
Protocol, schedule and the full investment, written for your case and discussed with you before you travel.
3. Treatment in San José
Travel and stay arranged for you. Treatment by our physicians in our Ministry of Health–licensed clinic.
4. Follow-up care
Scheduled check-ins with our team after you return home.
Investment
Each plan is built for one patient. In your consultation we walk through the full investment and exactly what it includes: cells, clinical care, and the arrangements around your stay.
The Cellebration approach
- Fresh, never frozen. Ask how cells are prepared and evaluated for your proposed care.
- Physician-led. Clinical decisions by our medical team, in a licensed clinic.
- An informed discussion. Review the evidence, limitations and alternatives relevant to your condition.
- Personalized support. A care team helps coordinate the treatment journey.