Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into some or many different cell types in the body, depending on whether they are multipotent or pluripotent. Acting as your own repair system, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells for as long as the person is alive. When a stem cell divides, each “daughter” cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a cartilage cell, or a skin cell.
Stem cells may be pluripotent or multipotent. Pluripotent stem cells can give rise to any type of cell in the body except those needed to support and develop a fetus in the womb. Stem cells that can give rise only to a small number of different cell types are called multipotent.
Autologous cells are cells that come from the same patient.
Allogeneic cells are donated cells (cord blood, Amniotic Membrane, Placenta or Dental Pulp) and not from the patient themselves.
At Medica Stem cells we only use Autologous Adult stem cells i.e stem cells harvested from the patient himself.
There is therefore no risk of rejection or disease transmission.
We harvest the stem cells from either your Adipose tissue or Bone Marrow.
Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered to be ideal for application in regenerative therapies. Their main advantage is that they can be easily and repeatably harvested using minimally invasive techniques. The sample is harvested by liposuction under local anesthesia then processed to separate the stem cells. ADSCs are multipotent and can differentiate into various cell types of the tri-germ lineages, including e.g. osteocytes, adipocytes, vascular endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, pancreatic β-cells, and hepatocytes.
Bone marrow derived stem cells are obtained by iliac crest aspiration under local anesthesia. Sample processed to separate the stem cells that are activated and re-injected locally or by means of an intravenous drip.
At all stages the patient is in no pain and is well looked after.
In addition peripheral blood sample is taken to separate platelet rich plasma (PRP).The blood is spun down in a centrifuge producing a concentration of platelets above normal values. Platelets are the clotting cells of your blood, but they also have great potential in enhancing healing of muscle, tendon, and ligaments.
Because it is the future of self healing with no artificial drugs used.
No, this is a day procedure. In some cases you may need to come in again to further sessions.
Three different procedures are used depending on each individual case one or more or all may be needed.
1- Liposuction is a minor procedure and you will be given a local anesthetic. You may only feel slight discomfort in the area once the effect of anesthesia wears off.
2- Bone marrow sampling is done using a local anesthetic.You may will feel slight pain in the area for the first day once the effect of anesthesia wears off that will be alleviated by by the usual pain killers (NOT Aspirin based) and no way is it restrictive.
3- Peripheral blood sample is like your usual blood test sample taking.
The patient is fully awake during the full procedure.
The recovery time can vary depending on the condition we are trying to treat.
For joint treatments in particular recovery time varies according to the joint being treated. For knees you will need to be non-weight-bearing for a few days. After that, you can gradually increase your activity. You will probably be able to return to work in one to two weeks, depending on the nature of your job. Following a hip stem cell procedure you will need to be in bed rest for 48 hours. After that, you will need to use crutches with NO weight bearing on the treated side for up to four weeks.
You should not expect any noticeable results before 4 weeks from treatment in joint interventions. Variables like type of disease or condition, age, general health etc.. affect outcome and length of recovery.
Unfortunately because this is a new field no one can answer this question.
Call us to schedule a phone review of your images with one of our doctors or schedule an appointment with one of clinics around the country.
The best way to get started is to call our clinic between 9am to 5pm. You can also start the process by completing the Application Form.
This will help us evaluate your condition and book you for review with one of our doctors.
Research has shown that, for stem cell procedures, older age does not adversely impact outcome.
Many mechanisms have been put forth, including long-term blocking of cells that destroy the joint, rescue of cells that fix the joint, and replacing lost native stem cells that maintain the joint.
This is on a case-by-case basis and although we have before, it would be at the advice of the doctor to treat more than one area. One of the many things that set Medica Stem Cells procedures apart from all other stem cell therapy being offered is dosage; to ensure the best possible outcome the doctor takes many factors into consideration, including your stem cell count.