Our Facility
How does the institute differ from other facilities performing stem cell and PRP injections?
We are one of the few stem cell facilities in the world that is staffed by seasoned board certified orthopedic surgeons. Who can better handle orthopedic problems than a surgeon who is specifically trained to handle these problems from many different approaches? Obviously, what sets us apart from other orthopedic practices is the fact that we also offer the use of stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) as an alternative to or in combination with surgery. We have strived to combine the latest technology to achieve the best result for our patients. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our outcomes rather than sitting on our past accomplishments.
Our methods are simple but at the same time is cutting edge. Many facilities outside the United States make use of embryonic stem cells, which outside of the United States are easy to procure. The problem with the embryonic stem cells are the many complications associated with them. Besides the ethical considerations, from a practical point of view, we are still a long way from being able to utilize these cells in a safe and consistent manner. When using embryonic stem cells, you are inheriting any potential diseases that the baby may have. For instance, the baby may have a gene that when past age 50 may cause a tumor. The embryonic cells themselves may act as a tumor since there is no natural check on these cells. Furthermore, these cells are foreign materials to the body, and the body will attack these cells in an immune response. For this reason, the patient may have to be placed on immunosuppressant drugs�much like any organ transplant patient. At least with our present technology, embryonic stem cells are not the answer to the orthopedic problems that we deal with. The FDA has put significant restrictions on the use of this type of cell in humans.
Another type of stem cell is called hematopoietic stem cells. These are stem cells that are found circulating in the blood and the bone marrow. They produce blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells etc.). We utilize them in helping to produce other types of stem cells which actually help to repair the body. This process is called plasticity. This is the ability of one type of stem cell to turn into a different type of stem cell. We may than go from a stem cell, which produces blood cells, to one which produces cartilage tissue or tendon tissue. When we perform a bone marrow aspiration, we obtain a rich source of these stem cells.
In our stem cell procedures, the most important stem cells we utilize are what we call mesenchymal stem cells. These are the bodies� repairmen. Mesenchymal stem cells are found in the bone marrow, the circulating blood, and in fat cells. These are the most important stem cells for our orthopedic purposes. They repair cartilage, tendon, and bone etc. Your body completely does a cell turn over approximately every six years. Our process utilizes these cells to repair and replace damaged tissue. We do know that as we age the number of mesenchymal stem cells diminish in the bone marrow, and in a nutshell, this is one of the causes of aging. Luckily, the supply of fat mesenchymal stem cells stays relatively constant as does the number of hematopoietic stem cells. Also, by using platelet rich plasma the bone marrow stem cells are programmed to dramatically increase in number and function.
There are some centers, which recommend taking the stem cells from the bone marrow and growing them in a laboratory and then injecting them back into a patient. This process posses some significant problems. There are studies, which suggest that once the stem cells are manipulated outside the body they lose their effectiveness. Furthermore, there is a suggestion that by reproducing these cells outside the body the genetic makeup of the cells may be altered leading to any number of significant problems. Among other factors, it is believed that the telomeres, or ends of the DNA strands, may be significantly altered. The FDA is currently taking a very hard look at these cells grown in a lab due to these potential problems.
We have solved the problem of small numbers of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells by utilizing mesenchymal fat cells. These fat cells are obtained in the office with a technique we devised. This is a simple technique performed under local anesthesia. There are only a handful of centers in the United States that are currently using mesenchymal stem cells derived from fat cells. Our clinic has performed
over 900 of these procedures without any problems. We have learned from plastic surgeons that the use of fat cells in surgery many times results in the fat cells being converted to the tissue they are surrounded by.
Also, what sets the institute apart from other facilities is the fact that we are utilizing human growth hormone (HGH). We know that HGH is converted in the body called insulin growth factor -1 (Igf-1). Igf-1 is known as a substance which causes stem cells to multiply and differentiate. Igf-1 is known as a substance, which directly stimulates cartilage formation and tissue repair. HGH is given as an injection into the joint or the soft tissue. The amount given is small and has little other effects on the body. Studies have consistently shown that as we age our production of HGH and therefore Igf-1 diminishes. The injection of HGH attempts to make up for this deficiency. An HGH injection is typically given with every injection (either PRP or stem cell). Certain medical conditions will cause us to defer the use of HGH. You will need to check with our physicians.
Another component of our treatment consists of platelet rich plasma (PRP). Stem cells injected into an area by themselves will remain relatively quiescent. The stem cells will not function without PRP or some component of it. The PRP contributes growth factors and stimulating proteins, which directly affect stem cells. There are at least a dozen major growth factors. These signaling factors instruct the body to send stem cells to the area of damage and at the same time cause the stem cells to reproduce and begin repair. Less severe conditions can be treated with PRP and HGH injections. Moderately severe conditions may require PRP, HGH and mesenchymal fat stem cells. Finally, the more severe conditions require PRP, HGH, mesenchymal fat stem cells and bone marrow stem cells. Typically, this would represent a significant arthritis of a joint. The bottom line is that with every treatment we perform we are in some way utilizing PRP and HGH injections.
Another major difference of our facility is the use of certain supplements. These supplements can significantly increase stem cell production in the body. This is done in a safe and efficient manner with over the counter supplements. This is based on research performed at medical schools by world famous stem cell scientists (one of these facilities is the University of South Florida School of Medicine). These supplements have essentially no side effects and can actually surpass medications which cost thousands of dollars and have some serious side effects.
One final aspect, which we are looking at, is the use of hyperbaric oxygen. We know that hyperbaric oxygen cans dramatically increase stem cell production. Further discussion about this topic will be discussed in the near future.
As one can see, the institute has tried to cover all bases. We have combined ideas and entities from different disciplines to create what we call our biological cocktail. We have combined conventional medicine with its foundation in the basic science of HGH, stem cells and platelets with alternative ideas such as supplements. Our treatment plan is a hybrid of a number of different successful approaches, which have caused tissues to heal when typically they did not in the past. We have taken these ideas and refined and improved them to create a far superior protocol than anything out there. Our success speaks for itself. We have performed over
1600 cases and are still counting. We are approaching results of approximately 85% significant improvement in conditions treated. We are striving to improve upon this.
