VASCULAR SURGERY
New Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Treatment May Help Prevent Amputation
Last year , it was reported that the vascular surgeons on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas were involved in the evaluation of bone marrowderived cells for critical limb ischemia ( CLI ). As one of the few sites worldwide evaluating this treatment , in keeping with the tradition of being on the forefront of new technology and strategies for patients suffering from CLI , the research has proven promising .
During fiscal year 2018 , the results included the potential prevention of limb loss . Several cases were appropriate for the use of Harvest ® Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate ( BMAC ) system . The system delivers a high concentration and yield of cells and growth factors with potential healing power when delivered to the particular site in need . Vascular surgeons on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas and Baylor University Medical Center were instrumental in bringing this technology to vascular patients . Vascular surgeons on the medical staff have long been involved in numerous clinical trials and studies for advancing vascular surgery options for patients .
ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY
Concentrated bone marrow aspirate ( BMAC ) is an autologous biologic concentrate derived from a patient ’ s own bone marrow . The concentrate is a biologic product that is produced through centrifugation of the patient ’ s own bone marrow and used for point-of-care therapy . Bone marrow is rich in total nucleated cells including those known to stimulate the production of new collateral vessels . Concentrated BMA is high in hematopoietic stem cells , mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells , which are known to be vital to biological processes such as the regeneration of tissue . The bone marrow is taken preferably from the hip bone in a minimally invasive manner using an 11 gauge aspiration needle . The marrow is then transferred to a unique processing disposable , where it then goes through an exclusive and patented separation process . The processing system produces a concentration and composition of autologous regenerative cells that can then be used as an autologous graft .
In the vascular surgery realm , BMA can be used , for example , to heal areas of limbs that have been severely compromised due to lack of blood flow . Working closely with the continuing development for the use of bone marrow aspirate , vascular surgeons are using this new strategy as a part of the limb saving program at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas .
“ Advancing this technology was one of the key highlights in fiscal year 2018 , as there are few vascular surgeons in Texas and the U . S . using BMAC in the treatment of non-healing wounds .”
– John F . Eidt , MD , RVT , RPVI , FACS
Vice Chair , Vascular Surgery Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital