Autologous fat transfer with in-situ mediation (AIM): A novel and compliant method of adult mesenchymal stem cell therapy

Abstract

Background: In an attempt to engineer a regulatory compliant form of cell assisted lipotransfer in the U.S., the authors developed Autologous Fat Transfer with In-situ Mediation (AIM) for reconstruction of a refractory surgical scar.Methods: This method incorporates use of accepted standard procedures like autologous fat grafting and intradermal injection of NB6 collagenase to release adipose stem cells from a naturally occurring high concentration stromal vascular fraction (SVF) fat graft. To prevent off-target effects of collagenase, a hyaluronic acid and serum deactivation barrier is placed circumferentially around the operative site.Findings: This novel protocol was well tolerated by the patient and improved scar appearance, mobility and texture. Deepest scar contour defect correction was 80% and 77% at 4 and 12 weeks respectively.Conclusion: AIM appears to be a practical and viable option for scar reconstruction requiring small to moderate volume correction. © 2013 Wu and Morrow; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.