Cell-Enriched Fat Grafts Improve Long-Term Graft Retention in Breast Reconstructive Surgery
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In a study published in the journal Annals of Plastic Surgery, researchers examine the science behind cell-enriched autologous fat grafting and its application to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The results demonstrate a doubling in graft retention in cell-enriched grafts and provide insight into the mechanisms behind this improvement. The results reinforce both commercial observations and interim data from the RESTORE 2 clinical study that was presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December 2009.
The preclinical results described in the paper support the potential clinical utility for cell-enriched fat grafts in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The key results include:
Long term retention of cell-enriched autologous fat grafts was increased two-fold over controls.
Quality of the cell-enriched grafts was significantly higher than controls with an increased number of healthy fat cells and reduced formation of cysts.
Improved blood vessel density in ADRC-enriched grafts.
Demonstration of several critical growth factors expressed by ADRCs.
In this study, a mouse model of autologous fat grafting was used to compare graft retention of cell-enriched fat grafts with traditional fat grafts. Retention was evaluated six and nine months after implantation. Supplemental in vitro and in vivo studies provide evidence that ADRC-enrichment improved graft retention and quality by promoting cell survival and the rapid formation of blood vessels within the graft through expression of growth factors known to promote vessel formation and prevent cell death.
SOURCES:
Annals of Plastic Surgery, February 2010
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