The doctors in our hospital use a number of injection methodologies to deliver stem cells. Reliant on every patient’s specificdisorder, one or severalmethodologies of delivery will be used during a standard treatment sittingin an attempt to maximize safety and efficiency. It is vital to remember that our protocols always prioritize security first and the immunizations procedures provided are little invasive but still a very concentrated on delivering the stem cells as close as possible from the injury location. For more info regarding the diverse injection approaches, please take a look below.
Invasive Methods
When non-invasive methods are not able to deliver the preferred results then doctors use invasive methods to deliver stem cell therapy. There are of two types which are:
Systemic Methods: IV therapy is the best example of an invasive delivery method. In this method, stem cells are administered and distributed throughout the body, so that it can reach various organs and tissues. It is beneficial to those conditions which need widespread treatments.
Local Methods: Stem cells are directly inserted to the specific tissues or organs which are damaged or need treatment. This method comes into play when a systemic method fails to show results or a non-invasive method gets difficulty to treat the targeted tissues.
Intravenous injection
The intravenous injection (IV) can be defined as the infusion of liquid elements straight into a vein. IVs allow healthcare specialists to administer fluids, blood products and medicines straight into a patient’s bloodstream via a small tube. This permits speedy absorption and precise control over the dosage of the element administered, which is imperative for a multiplicity of medical processes. As stem cells can be taken by the circulatory system to every region of the body, they will stroll to the location of injury or disease.
Intravenous treatment is used to deliver cells, like mesenchymal stromal cells, exosomes, stromal-vascular fraction, immune cells (macrophages, NK, and regulatory T-cells (Tregs).
Infusion steps
- The IV tubing is being set up suitably and two IV bags (saline solution and stem cells) are being suspended on a raised stand.
- The inoculation site (where the IV will be inserted) is being sanitized.
- The IV catheter (IV catheters are fixed over the needle used to puncture the vein) is removed from its sterile wrapping and the needle is then inserted into the vein.
- The shielding cover is being removed from the end of the IV tubing and is cautiously inserted into the catheter hub. A piece of tape is placed over the catheter hub to protect the IV.
- The nurse checks on the movement of fluid into the vein during the whole process which lasts 30 to 60 minutes. If the patient feels any uneasiness during or after the process, the medical staff on-site should be alertedimmediately.
- Once the infusion is done, the nurse closes the roller clamp to stop the torrent of fluid. She places a clean piece of gauze over the IV site and applies elusive pressure as the catheter is drawn out.
- Patients are requested to press sterile cotton wool onto immunization site for at least 5 minutes.
Retrobulbar Injection
Retrobulbar injections (RB) are usually used worldwide to offer local anesthesia in the retrobulbar zone (behind the eye). During our stem cell treatment process, this set of injection is used to deliver stem cells as close as possible from the optic nerve and/or retina in an attempt to better target the site of injury.
Infusion Steps
The whole procedure is quick and safe (as described below) and normally allows our patients to get more benefits from the treatment. Please note that retrobulbar inoculations will only be provided to patients older than 11 years old. The final decision will be made by the attending doctor upon admission at the hospital.
- The patient is requested to lie down. Aantiseptic is then cautiously applied on the skin from the lower eyelid margin to the lower orbital rim, respectively.
- The patient is asked to look in the direction of the opposite side of the eye being treated and look slightly up. If the inoculation is done for the right eye, the patient should look at the top left side and vice versa.
- A thin needle is then inserted upright about 2 millimeters deep in the quadrant between the outside 1/3 and inside 2/3 of the lower orbital rim.
- The needle passes the equator of the eye sphere and is then focused towards the upper nasal site until it is about 3 centimeters in depth. Stem cells are then be inoculated into the retrobulbar space.
- Once the vaccination is done, the needle is slickly removed and the ocular globe is repeatedly compressed with sterile bandages for numerous minutes. Generally, the entire procedure is completed in about 15 minutes and the inoculation itself is done in a few seconds.
Intrathecal Injection
The Intrathecal Administration encompasses an injection made into the spinal canal so as to access the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and by extension, the central nervous system. This type of administration permits delivering the stem cells to the brain and spinal cord in an easier and more effective way. Before the injection, a lumbar puncture (LP) is implemented in the first place so as to extract a little quantity of CSF and exchange it with the stem cells.
This type of delivery method is used to deliver autologous MSC from bone marrow and neural stem cells (NSCs) to repair damaged nerve tissues.
Infusion Steps
- The patient is asked to not eat after 10 PM the day before the process.
- Patients will be relocated into a surgical operating suite where the doctor supported by two nurses, will give the injection.
- Patients will be placed on their side with their backs near the verge of the table or bed. A nurse will then help patients in bending their knees towards their belly and stretching their head to the chest in a fetal position. This position aids to separate the vertebrae so that the needle can be put in more straightforwardly.
- The doctor will first scrutinize the patient’s lower back and mark the appropriate insertion site (between two lumbar vertebrae from L2 to L5).
- The region is then cleaned with an antiseptic and a local anesthetic is introduced beneath the skin to numb the zone where the needle will be inserted into the spinal canal.
- Once the needle is in the accurate position, the stylet from spinal needle is then withdrawn and about 2 ml of cerebral spinal fluid is gathered.
- The stem cells (around 1ml) and saline solution (around 1 ml) will then be administered respectively via the needle into the cerebral spinal fluid.
- The process is completed by withdrawing the needle with the reinserted stylet while giving pressure on the perforation site. Placement of the needle, accompanied by the infusion, is normally concluded in 20 minutes to hour.
- All patients are asked to lie flat for 4 to 6 hours after the process to sidestep any provisional side-effects such as headaches, nausea, fevers, vomiting and/or pains in the legs. These symptoms are believed to be an outcome the change in fluid volume within the spinal canal. Even lying flat, some patients may still develop this uneasiness. These may last for up to 48 hours. Patients should inform the doctors if they have a very severe headache, unbending neck, loss of sensation under the puncture zone, or any leakage from the injection zone.
Intramuscular Injection
An intramuscular (IM) injection is a shot of medicine given into a muscle. Intramuscular injections of stem cells can help patients with muscular dystrophy to get better health advantages. These injections are given direct into the muscles of the affected areas. Upon admission, the physicians will scrutinize the patient and decide how many stem cell packets should be inoculated locally into the affected muscles. The delivery method has also been applied to treat lower limb ischemia and diabetic foot.
Infusion steps
- The patient is requested to take the appropriate posture to access the affected muscles fluently.
- The injection location is sanitized. Stem cells are given by a syringe (There are 3 portions of a syringe: the needle to go into the muscle, the barrel to hold the medicine, the nozzle to get medication in and out of the syringe).
- The nurse temperately presses on and pulls the skin around the inoculation site so that it is slightly tight. The needle is inserted in the affected muscle and the stem cells are shot up gradually.
- Once the injection finishes, the injection site is pressed with dry cotton and the needle is dragged out quickly simultaneously. A piece of gauze is then placed at the injection site.
Methods of stem cell implantation
There are sevenelementary methods for conducting stem cell implantation contingent on the condition of the patient’s health. They are revealed as follows:
- Intravenous Administration
- Intrathecal Administration (Lumbar Puncture)
- Intramuscular Administration
- Intra-arterial Administration via catheter
- Retrobulbar Infusion of cells
- Liberation Angioplasty for Multiple Sclerosis CCSVI
- Administration Through Syringes
Intra-dermal administration
- Intra-derma administration around wounds: This specific method is used in case of open sores such as diabetic foot or pressure ulcers. It encompasses infusion of stem cells straight into or around the wound zone, i.e. the inoculation into the dermal layer of the skin. This layer is the most favored layer beneath the epidermal layer of the skin, as it is extremely vascularized layer, encompassing dense blood vessels, immune cell sand dermal dendritic cells. This way infused stem cells will quickly elicit and fortify body’s natural healing signals for quicker retrieval.
- Intra-Dermal Administration around the hair follicles: Platelet Rich Plasma is blended with the patient’s own adipose tissue stem cells extract at the time of infusion. The scalp is insensated with the application of local anesthesia and the PRP accompanied by the stem cells is infused around the follicles with the assistance of small micro needles. This intra-dermal, local application of PRP with stem cells can fast-track the healing procedure around the follicles instantaneously. The methodology can stimulate the innate stem cells and provide the strength, support, vivacity and resilience to the follicles; which will be useful in producing new hair strands naturally.
- Intra-Dermal Administration of PRP on face: Platelet Rich Plasma is blended with the patient’s own adipose tissue stem cells extract at the time of infusion. The face is numbed with the application of local numbing cream and the PRP accompanied by the stem cells is infused at diverse points on the face such as around the eyes, lips, chin, etc. with the assistance of small micro needles.This intra-dermal, local application of PRP with stem cells can quicken the healing procedure around instantaneously. The method can stimulate the native cells for the augmented production of collagen, elimination of photo damaged cells, pigmentation’s and wrinkles to give you fresh, tautened and wrinkle-free skin naturally.
At large, maximum of the intradermal injections are delivered inside the skin, via micro needle via mantoux method; in which the needle will be inserted at an angle of 5-15 degree around the region.
Liberation Angioplasty
- CCSVI Treatment Step 1 – Liberation Angioplasty: Liberation Angioplasty is a very critical procedure. X-ray scanning is used to guide the catheter with the balloon tip to the affected region or veins. Once it reaches the targeted region, the tip inflates occasioning in the broadening of the steno tic region. The whole procedure takes around 90 minutes. Then the patients are kept in retrieval room for around 4 hours to make sure that there is no bleeding from the catheter insertion strip.
- CCSVI Treatment Step 2 – Insertion of Stem Cells: After the first step of liberation angioplasty the blood flows without difficulty via the stenotic veins. This is vitalso as to define the effective potential of the stem cells introduced to transmute into specialized cells essential for regeneration or repair of impaired tissue of the brain or the spinal cord. This process can also lessen the inflammation throughout the body. Several of the patients have reported that the recovery is tremendously quick after this treatment.
Intra-Arterial
Intra-arterial infusion is usually an insertion of cells via a thin catheter inserted into the artery. The infusion is usually done with intense care to evade impairment. Via X-ray imaging, a catheter is directed towards the targeted zone to ensure maximum cell delivery at the site of impairment. This route is usually preferred for vascular organs such as kidney, heart or pancreas.
Infusion Steps
- The intra-arterial method literally brings stem cells one of the arteries that feed the target organ or tissue.
- First the patient is prepared and monitored in sterile and controlled conditions.
- Local anesthetic is injected to numb the spot where the catheter will be introduced.
- A small cut is made, and a slender catheter (tube) is gently inserted into the selected artery, usually a guide such as fluoroscopy is used.
- The catheter is gradually moved to the exact site of the treatment.
- After that, the stem cell solution is made and is being softly injected through the catheter into the artery.
- The injection is done gradually to facilitate the proper distribution of the cells and to avoid the artery from being blocked.
- It is done carefully, the catheter is taken out after the infusion and a certain area is rubbed to stop the bleeding.
- The patient is kept under observation for a few hours to detect if any side effects occur or if there are complications
Intravitreal Infusion of Cells
Treatment of retinal diseases by intravitreal injection (IVI) has revolutionised the field of ophthalmology. Human eye is filled with a jelly like substance known as “Vitreous”. IVI is the direct shot of stem cells into the vitreous near the retina at the back of the eye.
A number of IVI protocols exist in terms of anesthetics, aseptic technique, use of prophylactic antibiotics and post-injection monitoring.
Infusion Steps
- An antiseptic solution is used to clean the patient’s eye to protect from infections.
- Local anesthesia drops are given into the eye to make it numb.
- The doctor employs a sterile drape and eyelid holder to maintain the area hygienic and open.
- The stem cell preparation is verified for correct dose and quality before the procedure.
- With the help of a thin needle, the doctor delivers the stem cell suspension into the vitreous cavity which is the transparent gel in the eye.
- The operation is performed slowly and carefully so that no abrupt pressure changes or injuries occur.
- Once the injection is done, the needle is removed gently, and mild pressure is put on the spot to stop the bleeding if any.
- Antibiotic drops are inserted in the eye to reduce the chances of infection.
- The patient is instructed to take rest and is kept under observation for a while.
- Check-up appointments are arranged to evaluate vision and eye condition.
Paravertebral Injection
In this method, the stem cells and exosomes are directly administered to the spine and around it. These injections are used to treat problems like back pain and spinal disk problems. It takes preparation, imaging guidance, and monitoring to experience better results.
Infusion Steps
- Typically, the patient is put in a comfortable position, most probably lying on the stomach.
- The skin around the spine is washed and disinfected to keep the area sterile.
- A local anesthetic is given to numb the area where the injection will be done and to relieve pain.
- The doctor locates the exact paravertebral space (next to the vertebra) that needs to be treated with the help of ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
- A thin needle is inserted through the skin with great care and is directed toward the area close to the nerve roots.
- After the verification of the correct location, stem cells are slowly injected into the paravertebral space.
- The injection is performed slowly and carefully to allow the stem cells to be evenly distributed.
- Following the injection, the needle is withdrawn in a gentle manner, and a sterile dressing is placed over the area.
- The patient is kept under observation for a brief period to ensure that no immediate reactions or side effects occur.
Parametal
The Parametal method is a contemporary technique that is used in stem cell therapy to transport stem cells in a safe and efficient way into the body. Its main focus is to enhance the way in which stem cells get to the target tissues and begin the repairing or regenerating of the damaged cells. To protect and guide the stem cells during the infusion, the method employs some metal-based carriers or instruments. These metals are biocompatible, which means that they do not injure the body and promote the absorption of stem cells.
The primary purpose of the Parametal method is to elevate the effectiveness of stem cell therapies for various diseases such as tissue injuries, joint damage, and neurological disorders. It is the one that guarantees the stem cells remain alive and functional until they get to the right area.
Infusion Steps in the Parametal Method
Step 1: Stem cells are taken from the patient or donor.
Step 2: The cells undergo processing and purification in a strictly regulated lab environment.
Step 3: The parametal solution is used to mix with the processed stem cells or if a parametal infusion device is employed, it is used to deliver the cells.
Step 4: The patient’s bloodstream or the target tissue is injected with the cell mixture.
Step 5: The attending staff keeps a regular check on the patient’s condition for the accomplishment of the safe and effective cell absorption.
Para-Corpus Cavernosum or Penile Injection
Para-Corpus Cavernosum or penile injection for stem cell therapy is a new medical technology, which is generally employed in the cases of male impotence (ED) or damage to the penile tissues. The therapy involves a direct injection of stem cells into or near the corpus cavernosum, the part of the penis, which is made up of highly vascularized tissue and responsible for the achievement of penile erection, thus enabling the restoration of normal functioning.
Process and Infusion Steps
The operation is normally carried out in a medical clinic and covers the following stages:
Step 1: The patient undergoes an examination and is then given a green light for treatment with stem cells.
Step 2: The stem cells are harvested, most probably, from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue.
Step 3: The collected cells go through a processing stage in a laboratory to concentrate the stem cells.
Step 4: Before the procedure, the penis is disinfected and then an anesthetic (local) is administered to numb it.
Step 5: By means of a thin needle, the stem cells are injected into or surrounding the corpus cavernosum.
Step 6: The doctor uses his hand to massage the area, thus facilitating the even distribution of the cells.
Step 7: The patient undergoes a brief postoperative surveillance and is then allowed to go home.
Non Invasive Methods
Non-invasive stem cell therapy is a futuristic medical method that heals and regenerates the body from stem cells but without any operation. Differing from the conventional methods that require injections or surgeries, cells through this technology can come to the body in less risky, less complicated ways like topical applications or inhalation.
In the non-invasive stem cell therapy, there are no cuts or deep needle insertions, as stem cells and their products (for instance exosomes or growth factors) are given to the body. Researchers are inventing cutting-edge ways such as nasal sprays, creams, or patches which facilitate the natural migration of stem cells to the area that needs them. The methods are perfect for those who intend to steer away from the disadvantages such as pain, risk and long recovery period of invasive treatments.
The treatment is done by activating the natural healing process of the body, lessening the inflammation, and tissue regeneration for the cases of joint pain, neurological disorders, or skin damage, etc.
Advantages
- No surgery or injections are necessary
- Pain or discomfort, if any, is minimal
- The chances of infections or complications are very low
- The recovery period is much shorter
- Ideal for the ones who are scared of invasive methods
- If necessary, the treatment can be repeated without any difficulties
- Stimulates the body’s own natural healing process
Skin Applications (Mask)
The Skin Applications (Mask) method in stem cell therapy is a non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation and healing. A mask infused with stem cell extracts or growth factors is simply placed on the skin, thus no injection is needed. The therapy aids in the repair of worn-out cells, the improvement of skin texture, and the revitalization of the skin.
Infusion Steps
- Cleansing: The skin is cleansed with a purifying agent to remove oil, dirt, and other impurities.
- Exfoliation: The use of a gentle exfoliant is done to remove dead skin cells and open pores.
- Application of Mask: The use of a stem cell, infused mask or serum on the skin surface is done with a proper and even distribution.
- Absorption Time: The nutrients from the mask are allowed to penetrate deep into the skin layers as the mask is left for 20–30 minutes.
- Massage or Light Therapy (optional): To a certain extent massage or LED light may be used to promote absorption and stem cell activation.
- Removal: The mask is removed with care and the skin is cleansed lightly.
- Moisturizing and Sun Protection: The treatment is sealed and the skin is kept safe with the application of a calming moisturizer and sunscreen.
Eye and Nasal Drops
Using eye and nasal drops is a straightforward and non-surgical method of getting stem cells into the body. The technique essentially uses the eyes and nose as the body’s natural portals to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. As the nose and eyes have thin membranes and are located close to the brain, stem cells have a better chance to go through and thus can initiate the process of repairing the damaged tissues. Such a method is usually employed for neurological conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, and neurodegenerative diseases.
This method, which is pain-free, less risky, and fast, is a kind of procedure that is usually compared with injections or surgeries. It makes the stem cells go straight to the central nervous system, the inflamed area, the one to be repaired, and, finally, the function to be enhanced.
Infusion Steps
- The patient lies down comfortably.
- The stem cell mixture is made in a sterile environment.
- A dropper or a needleless syringe is used to put a few drops in each nostril and/or eye.
- The patient holds the position for a few minutes to let the drops be absorbed.
- The treatment will be repeated if the doctor instructs so.
Nasal Spray
The nasal spray is a new and easy method to transport stem cells into a human body. Stem cells are sent through a nose with a cool sprayer rather than injections or operations. With this procedure, stem cells are able to come to the brain quickly by way of the olfactory (smell) nerves. It is a procedure without any pain, invasion of the body, and hospital admission. Scientists believe this technique to be a potential therapy for brain-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and spinal cord injuries. The nasal route enables stem cells to go beyond the blood-brain barrier which is a hard way for other methods.
Infusion Steps
- The patient is resting in a nice position with a head slightly tilted backwards.
- A doctor or a nurse who is skilled and experienced in this area makes up a sterile stem cell solution from the material given.
- The nasal spray instrument is filled with the stem cell fluid.
- The nozzle is smoothly put into one nare and the spray is let go to provide the tiny particles of the liquid.
- Similarly, the spray is inserted into the other nostril and the procedure is carried out.
- The patient keeps the same position for some minutes to let the cells absorb.
- The infusion is done again as per the plan, mostly without any kind of pain or side effects.
Inhalation
The inhalation method is an innovative way of stem cell treatment that does not harm the patient as it delivers stem cells directly to the lungs via breathing. Generally, the method allows patients to breathe in stem cells in a form of mist or aerosol without any injections or surgery. The minuscule stem cell particles pass through the respiratory tract and arrive at the lungs, where they have the ability to fix the broken tissues and make the lungs work better. Those kinds of treatments are vital to the patients who suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Asthma.
The inhalation method of stem cell therapy can double the success rate and cut down the side effects as it delivers the treatment directly to the lungs. Along with that, it is completely free from any kind of pain, easily done, and the right choice for patients who have low resistance to invasive procedures.
Infusion Steps of the Inhalation Method
- First off, stem cells are taken through the process of preparation and purification in a specialized lab.
- By using a special device, cells are changed into a liquid or a dry powder form that is ready for breathing.
- Patients are made to breathe in a normal way through a nebulizer or inhalation mask.
- By inhalation, the cells will be delivered to the lungs through the respiratory tract of the patient.
- After the cells have found their way to the lung tissues, they will begin the process of healing and regeneration.
- The treatment may be repeated if the patient’s condition requires it and the doctor agrees.
Rectal Administration
Rectal administration is one of the non-invasive methods used to deliver stem cells into the body, more specifically through the rectum. Generally, this particular approach is reserved for patients who are unable to administer their stem cells through veins or individuals who request a milder alternative. The rectum is equipped with a variety of blood vessels; thus, stem cells can enter the bloodstream very quickly. This process is followed by the migration of stem cells to various areas of the body, where they initiate the repair of tissues and the alleviation of swelling.
It is worth mentioning that this approach is a straightforward, risk-free method, and it does not come with the necessity of being admitted to a hospital. On top of that, it lowers the chances of infection and malaise when compared to the intravenous (IV) methods. The treatment option may be available in a medical institution or can be carried out at home with the doctor’s supervision.
Rectal Stem Cell Infusion Procedures
- Prior to the medical intervention, the patient is required to empty his or her bowel.
- Preparation of the stem cell solution is carried out in a sterile environment.
- The patient is made to lie on the side in a comfortable and relaxed state of mind.
- With utmost gentleness a small tube (catheter) is inserted into the rectum.
- The stem cell solution is gradually absorbed through the catheter.
- It is recommended that the patient stay in bed for 20–30 minutes after the infusion to facilitate absorption.
- The treatment is over, and the patient can return to his or her regular activities shortly after.
Our stem cell treatment method is aimed at fulfilling worldwide requirements while maintaining patient safety, ease, and treatment effectiveness at the first place. We are committed to developing treatment plans that accurately correspond to the patient’s condition, medical requirements, and personal health objectives.
- Patient-Specific Plans: Each patient is given a unique treatment plan that is tailored to their needs. The method of administration is determined after a thorough study of the disease, the patient’s anatomy, and any potential risks. The stem cells are delivered to the site that is not only the most targeted but also the safest and most effective.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Our methods are planned in such a way as to lessen the patient’s discomfort and the time required for recovery. In cases where major surgery can be avoided, we carry out minimally invasive operations. A patient is able to heal quickly and regain his/her normal routine, simultaneously getting more self-assurance.
- Evidence-Based Approach: All the protocols of our treatments are globally supported by the clinical research and validated by the medical guidelines. We stick to the established procedures which are utilized at the top medical facilities worldwide. The scientific basis for this enables the doctors to be more certain about the treatment and the patient’s condition to improve.
- Advanced Techniques: We do not hesitate to employ high-tech and modern tools like image-guided systems, ultrasonic support, and precision-based delivery methods, if applicable. These up-to-date devices help the physicians to put the stem cells in the exact place, raising the possibility of not only better healing but also getting stable results over the long period of time.
