What is the stromal vascular fraction (SVF)?
The Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) is the set of cells resulting from the centrifugation and filtration of adipose tissue that has been liposuctioned.
It is made up of different cells, including adult stem cells. It promotes circulation and healing, thanks to the presence and arrangement of blood and lymphatic vessels in the different tissues and organs.
These cells have the capacity to regenerate damaged tissues, either by trauma or by cell aging and wear and tear. In the SVF of adipose tissue, a large number of stem cells with these regenerative properties are found.
However, SVF cannot be called stem cell therapy, since there is a wide variety of cell groups in this substance, even though they are very numerous.
What does it consist of?
First, a diagnosis is made to determine which would be the most effective therapy, according to the patient’s pathology. Then, based on the results and the specialist’s criteria, complementary techniques are prescribed to achieve a better result.
The therapy with SVF serves, as it has a high concentration of stem cells, as a regenerator of sports injuries or daily activity, accidents, etc.. It is of great help when there is damage to joints, muscles, bones, cartilage and even nerves.
Some of the applications of the Stromal Vascular Fraction would be:
- Regenerative treatments
- Mobility rehabilitation treatments, such as traffic accidents or sports injuries.
- Complementary treatments in dentistry
- Healing of wounds, ulcers, etc.
- Organic regeneration of organs such as the pancreas, liver, etc.
- The application in Aesthetic Medicine for the natural augmentation of breasts and buttocks, as well as for their reconstruction.
- Reconstruction of muscle injuries caused by surgery.
- Serious dermatological treatments such as scleroderma.
- Palliation of the toxic effects of radiotherapy on damaged tissues.
- Acceleration of regeneration of bone fractures and joint lesions.
- Treatment of anal fistulas very characteristic of diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
- Etc.
How is it performed?
It is performed through a mini-liposuction, usually of the abdominal area because of its ease of access, under local anesthesia. It is usually enough with a small sample of 50 cc of adipose tissue. The patient can resume daily activities immediately.
Where are SVF and stem cells obtained from?
There are 2 main areas:
- Adipose tissue (fat)
- Bone marrow (bone)
Generally, adipose tissue is preferable for several reasons:
- Cellular quantity and viability is greater in fat than in bone.
- The area and method of procurement is more accessible in adipose tissue than in bone marrow.
- The discomfort for the patient is much less in obtaining the stromal vascular fraction from adipose tissue.
- Adult mesenchymal stem cells have the same cellular markers obtained from fat, as well as the same capabilities as bone marrow.
How is fat processed to obtain the Stromal Vascular Fraction with stem cells?
By means of a technical process that achieves the highest cell viability, as well as the greatest safety in the process and maximum speed in the system. In only 50 minutes, the isolation of about 2 million adult mesenchymal stem cells in a 5ml implant is achieved.
What is the duration of the treatment?
The approximate duration of the procedure is about 90 minutes, being 50 minutes for the isolation process and the remaining 40 minutes to extract the fat and the implant. As for the clinical results, these are short, medium and long term, thanks to the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and trophic properties of this cellular pool.