Most of the clinical trials initiated to promote neovascularization of ischemic myocardial or peripheral muscle tissue have failed to provide significant improvement of prespecified endpoints. This volume examines current refinements in the fundamental concept of neovascularization. It describes the most recent developments, which in the future might pave the way towards a new era of therapeutic applications. Coverage includes sections on such topics as the clinical challenge, novel mechanical and molecular concepts and cell therapy as an option, each composed of chapters written by experts in their fields.

This collection of current and future concepts of neovascularization offers fascinating insights into refining a powerful therapeutic tool which has not yet had the chance to live up to the expectations and needs of the medical community. It examines current refinements in the fundamental concept of neovascularization and describes the most recent developments, which in the future might pave the way towards a new era of therapeutic applications.