HRI's Procedures

HRI's Stem Cell Therapy is based on using autologous adipose-derived stromal cells, and platelet rich plasma for pain and inflammation management upon orthopedic conditions of different origin.

HRI's Stem Cell Therapy is based on using autologous adipose-derived stromal cells, including mesenchymal adult stem cells, and platelet rich plasma for pain and inflammation management upon orthopedic conditions of different origin.

The purpose of this procedure is to obtain an extraction of client’s own stem cells, so-called mesenchymal stem cells ("MSCs"), along with other stromal cells originated from fat tissues.  Fat tissue is a known source rich in MSCs. The characteristics and differentiation capability of these cells into different kinds of human tissue have been demonstrated as well. Importantly, collection of client’s own stem cells will assure immune compatibility with body when transferred back.

After harvesting stem cells from fat tissue, they are prepared in our laboratory for injection into the patient.  Although the cells can be multiplied in our laboratory, HRI does not employ the process to culture, multiply, or do anything more than "minimal manipulation" (essentially separating stem cells from fat tissue) of your stem cells due to regulatory restrictions.  You can read more about the current restrictions on this procedure here(include links to FDA vs Regenexx and similar articles)

Client’s blood is also drawn for panel of tests and obtaining of autologous plasma and/or cellular fraction (PRP) for application with harvested fat tissue cells. 

HRI's Stem Cell Procedure

Stem Cells are some of the most basic cellular structures in our body.  They perform regenerative functions that help us recover from injury or other trauma, as well as to deal with pain caused by joint and other inflammation.  HRI's Stem Cell Procedure is based on the scientific belief that stem cells may be moved from a healthy part of the body to an injured area.  Once in the injured area, the stem cells will promote healing and regeneration of healthy cellular structures.

HRI's Stem Cell Procedure uses autologous adipose-derived stromal cells, including adult (mesenchymal) stem cells, for pain and inflammation management for orthopedic conditions of different origin.  HRI obtains an extraction of your mesenchymal stem cells ("MSCs"), along with other stromal cells, from your fat tissue because fat tissue is known as a rich source of MSCs. The characteristics and differentiation capability of these cells after being placed into different kinds of human tissue have been demonstrated as well.

After removal of your fat tissue through liposuction, HRI's on-site laboratory will separate fat cells from the regenerative stromal cells.  The stromal cells will then be prepared in the laboratory for injection back into your body by a physician using ultrasound guidance.  Importantly, collection of your own stem cells will assure immune compatibility with your body when transferred back to you.  Although stromal cells can be multiplied, HRI does not employ any process to culture, multiply, or do anything more than "minimal manipulation" (separating stromal cells from fat cells) due to regulatory restrictions. 

None of these steps change the biological characteristics of the extracted cells.  As such, the procedure is what is known as homologous use of your stromal cells.  Put another way, HRI's Stem Cell Procedure focuses on the extraction and concentration of healthy stem cells and re-injection into an affected area to promote regenerative healing, which is exactly the same functionality these cells have at the point of removal.

In order to obtain sufficient stromal cells, approximately ____ of fat tissue will be removed.  Depending on the amount of stromal cells in your fat tissue, there may be enough stromal cells for more than one injection as part of your procedure.  If this is the case, and with a separate consent, HRI will cryogenically store your excess stromal cells for later injection.  The goal is to eliminate a second liposuction procedure if possible for clients who will need multiple injections.

HRI's PRP Procedure

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging biologic tool in orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine. Like HRI's Stem Cell Procedure, PRP has advantages over other potential therapies because it is "autologous," meaning that it your body using its own healing and regenerative capacities.  In general, PRP can be defined as plasma with enriched levels of platelets relative to whole blood. Platelets contain powerful biological factors supporting the regeneration and healing process, regardless of where the blood is drawn from. As the concentration of platelets rises, the amount of these healing factors increases.  HRI believes that using the PRP process will provide a further regenerative quality to its Stem Cell Procedure to maximize a sustainable outcome for our clients and potentially will decrease the need for additional procedures, again depending on the severity of your injury. 

For reference, in order to obtain PRP, 50-100 ml of blood will be drawn from you prior to liposuction and will be concentrated in HRI's laboratory during the time that your Stem Cell Procedure is taking place.