Autologous adipose tissue in osteoarthritis

In recent years, many non-surgical options for treating osteoarthritis have become established in Europe. Particularly popular are injections with orthobiologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and bone marrow aspirate/concentrate (BMA/BMAC). In addition, adipose tissue has proven to be a novel and attractive source of stem cells and thus for regenerative medicine. 1,2

Microfragmentation and purification of mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue

Stem cell therapy describes a procedure in which stem cells from the patient and other potentially regenerative cells are first obtained from a tissue sample: either from bone marrow or from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue. These regenerative cells can be used to treat various defects. The cells are either injected directly into or at the site of the defect, or they can be used in combination with a carrier material. 4

Time-saving

  • Microfragments up to 400 ml of adipose tissue in 10 minutes
  • No centrifuge required: saves time, staff, and equipment
  • All-in-one system: processes, cleans, and microfragments adipose tissue simultaneously

Minimal manipulation

  • No enzymes, no centrifugation – instead, minimal stress for the cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix 3
  • Preservation of the biological characteristics of the stromal vascular fraction including the surrounding matrix → maximization of the regenerative potential 3
  • Harvesting and processing in a sterile environment within a closed system

Easy handling

  • Simple and reproducible procedure in a single surgical session
  • Minimization of training, preparation, and cleaning time
  • Only one operator required

a) Lipo-Stem Duo™ processing device with filter bag (400 ml) for the lipoaspirate fluid, as well as a pre-attached waste collection bag (2 liters) and an open slide clamp
b) Processing spatula to support gentle microfragmentation and purification of adipose tissue
c) Two 60 ml disposable syringes for injection of the Klein solution
d) Two 60 ml Vaclok syringes for lipoaspiration
e) One infusion set with outlet plug, clamp, and spike for piercing the saline bag
f) Two 10 ml infusion syringes for collecting the final product
g) Two 3 ml infusion syringes for injecting the final product
h) One 20 G × 90 mm injection cannula
i) One 16 G infiltration cannula for infiltration of the Klein solution
j) One 13 G infiltration cannula for lipoaspiration
k) Two combination caps (LLF/LLM) for sealing syringes (g and h)
l) Two adapters (Luer connection female; LLF/LLF) for connecting two syringes

Lipo-Stem Duo™ for harvesting the SVF

Lipo-Stem Duo™ is a CE-marked, sterile single-use medical device. Without centrifugation, without enzymes, and with only minimal manipulation, the special filter system in a closed circuit ensures consistent microfragmentation and purification of adipose tissue. In doing so, the biological properties are preserved and the regenerative potential of the cells is maximized.

The entire processing of the aspirated tissue takes place within the closed filter system and, thanks to continuous flushing with saline, is gentle on the cells. In this way, cellular stress is reduced and any traumatic impact that could damage the extracellular matrix and its trophic and anti-inflammatory function is avoided.

The green Lipo-Stem Duo™ cassette is equipped with two filters:

  • The first filter, with its coarser structure, microfragments the aspirated adipose tissue while fibrotic tissue is filtered out.
  • The second filter, with a very fine mesh, retains the microfragmented adipose tissue containing the SVF, while it is continuously flushed with saline. This removes all oil and blood residues that could otherwise cause inflammation of the treated tissue.

The final product obtained is a finely liquefied, autologous adipose tissue that preserves the biological characteristics of the original tissue and can be easily injected even through very fine needles.

Product: System for aspiration, processing, and reimplantation of autologous adipose tissue
Approval: Medical device with CE marking
Sterilization: Double sterile packaging
Sterilization method: Ethylene oxide (EO), sterilized according to ISO 11135
Outer packaging dimensions: 43.5 cm (L) × 29.2 cm (W) × 12 cm (H)

More Knowledge, More Movement

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from adipose tissue is a biological material with a high content of heterogeneous cell populations such as endothelial cells, preadipocytes, type 2 macrophages, T cells, and pericytes. In particular, SVF contains adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have comparable properties to stem cells from bone marrow.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various mesenchymal cell phenotypes. MSCs support cell–cell interactions and play an important role in functional regeneration. MSCs release a wide range of cytokines and growth factors as well as so-called extracellular vesicles (EVs), and thereby essentially exert the following effects:

  1. MSCs modulate inflammatory processes and have anti-inflammatory effects.
  2. MSCs modulate signaling pathways that play a role in the healing process.
  3. MSCs can inhibit osteophyte formation and reduce synovitis.
  4. MSCs have immunomodulatory properties.
  5. MSCs reduce apoptosis.

Initial studies show promising results with the use of SVF in alleviating osteoarthritis-related symptoms.

[1] Chiari et al. (2017): Therapeutische Anwendung von Stammzellen in der Orthopädie. Der Orthopäde, 12.
[2] Pers et al. (2016): Adipose derived stem cells for regenerative therapy in osteoarticular diseases. Hormone and Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation, 28(3): 113–120.
[3] Ventura (2022): Lipo-Stem Duo™ Product Characterization. BPB Medica™.
[4] Jimenez-Puerta et al. (2020): Role of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Therapeutic Agents: Potential Mechanisms of Action and Implications in Their Clinical Use. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9, 445.
[5] Mohamed-Ahmed et al. (2018): Adipose-derived and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: a donor-matched comparison. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 9:168.

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