Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) emerges from the processing of adipose tissue and represents a cutting-edge method within stem cell therapy, offering treatment options for a variety of autoimmune, neurological, urological, pulmonary, ophthalmological, and orthopedic conditions. SVF is a rich mixture of diverse stem cell populations, growth factors, and other vital biological elements. The extraction of SVF cells from adipose tissue is straightforward, with the entire procedure, encompassing anesthesia, extraction, and cell injection, consummated in approximately four hours in an outpatient setting. This treatment is generally well-received by patients and has been validated for safety in clinical settings.
Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) is a component derived from adipose (fat) tissue. It’s a complex mixture that includes a variety of cells such as adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), endothelial precursor cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and other cell types. When applied to damaged or diseased tissues, the diverse cell types in SVF can contribute to healing and regeneration through several mechanisms:
1. Cytokine Secretion: The cells within SVF release cytokines and growth factors that reduce inflammation, diminish scar tissue formation, and promote tissue growth.
2. Immunomodulation: SVF cells can modify the immune response, possibly reducing harmful inflammation that can impede healing.
3. Stimulating Neoangiogenesis: As you mentioned, the SVF cells can promote the formation of new blood vessels. This not only assists in delivering nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissues but also helps in the removal of waste products.
4. Cell Differentiation: Some cells in SVF have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, which can replace damaged cells in the target tissue.
5. Supporting Matrix Remodeling: SVF cells release enzymes and other factors that can help in remodeling the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for tissue repair.
Initial steps
Before the procedure commences, a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health history and symptoms is conducted. Once in the operating room, the patient undergoes a sterilization process and receives either oral or twilight anesthesia, supplemented with a local anesthetic. Once anesthesia takes effect, a small, rice-sized incision is made in an area abundant with fatty tissue, like the buttocks, abdomen, or flank. Fat tissue is then carefully extracted using a specialized syringe. This fat tissue, now referred to as lipoaspirate, is treated with a collagenase solution to break down the extracellular matrix and release cells from the fat tissue. Subsequently, this mixture is centrifuged to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The SVF solution is then administered to the patient. Post-procedure, the patient may be observed for a period of time depending on the specifics of the clinical procedure.
Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are highly researched and form a significant component of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). These MSCs can transform into a variety of cell types, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells. Adipose tissue is particularly abundant in MSCs, yet they require careful laboratory cultivation under sterile conditions to be prepared for clinical applications. In contrast, SVF can be obtained and used shortly after liposuction without the need for such cultivation. SVF not only shares the properties of MSCs but also contains additional stem cell types and bioactive molecules, contributing to its therapeutic effects.
Multipotent MSCs offer therapeutic benefits by secreting active molecules like cytokines and growth factors, which assist in regenerative processes including new blood vessel and nerve growth, inflammation modulation, inhibition of cell death, recruitment of stem cells to damaged areas, and promotion of stem cell differentiation.
Incidence of Risks and Side Effects
Results from clinical trials have demonstrated that local administration of SVF is generally safe, presenting no cases of tumor development, inappropriate tissue growth, or negative reactions. Most patients typically endure the procedure with ease. Instances of individual intolerance are exceptionally infrequent, though they cannot be entirely ruled out. At Total Spine, our experts will oversee your treatment to enhance safety and efficacy, taking necessary precautions to reduce any potential hazards.
If you’re interested in exploring regenerative medicine for your herniated disc, we’re here to help. Our team of specialists can provide personalized advice and discuss available treatment options.
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Here are some of the questions that we are asked most frequently at Total Spine and Wellness
Regenerative medicine aims to replace damaged tissue or organs caused by factors like age, disease, trauma, or congenital issues, as opposed to focusing solely on symptom management. This is achieved through the use of tissue engineering, cellular therapies, medical devices, and artificial organs.
By combining these approaches, we can enhance our body’s natural healing process where it is most needed. Regenerative medicine brings together experts from various specialties who wish to be on the cutting edge of medicine.
When our bodies are injured or affected by disease, they possess an innate ability to heal and defend themselves. What if we could harness this inherent power and accelerate the healing process in a clinically relevant manner? What if we could aid the body in healing more effectively?
The promising field of regenerative medicine strives to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues and organs. It also aims to develop solutions for organs that have sustained permanent damage. Ultimately, the goal of regenerative medicine is to create transformative healthcare solutions that could potentially help injuries and diseases that were previously deemed untreatable.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells in our bodies that have the remarkable ability to develop into various types of specialized cells. They can divide and renew themselves to form more stem cells or differentiate into specific cell types, such as muscle, nerve, or blood cells. Stem cells play a crucial role in the development, growth, and repair of tissues and organs in our bodies. They hold great potential for medical research and regenerative medicine, as they may be used to treat a wide range of diseases and injuries.
Stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into different cell types in the body and can also repair damaged tissues. When introduced into a specific area, they can promote healing through various mechanisms. Stem cells can differentiate into the desired cell type, replacing damaged cells directly. They can also secrete growth factors and proteins that stimulate the surrounding cells to regenerate and repair themselves. Additionally, stem cells can modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, creating a more favorable environment for healing. These combined effects make stem cells a valuable tool for treating degenerative conditions.
These surgical procedures are considered part of a physician’s practice of medicine, allowing both the physician and patient to freely consider their preferred treatment options. While the FDA does provide guidelines for the treatment and manipulation of a patient’s own tissues, Total Spine adheres to these guidelines by offering same-day treatment using the patient’s unaltered cells, which are inserted during the procedure.
Not everyone is a good candidate for stem cell treatment. We offer a complimentary consultation and imaging review to determine if someone is likely to benefit from our treatments. If the severity of the condition is too great and a successful outcome is not likely, the patient will be told that in consultation.
We are a team of highly specialized spine surgeons dedicated to pioneering the future of spine care.