What is Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)?
Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) is a type of regenerative therapy that involves the processing of adipose (fat) tissue to obtain a concentrated source of adipose-derived stromal cells. These cells are then used to treat various painful conditions, particularly those involving musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis of the joints and tendon injuries. MFAT is typically administered in the form of injection to the treatment area to promote tissue repair and regeneration, and inflammation modulation to help improve pain and function.
Indications for Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)
Your physician may recommend microfragmented adipose tissue for treating chronic pain and enhancing the healing process from conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: MFAT is commonly used to treat knee osteoarthritis, providing pain relief and improving joint function.
- Tendon Injuries: It is also applied in the treatment of chronic tendinopathies and tendon tears.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: MFAT can be used to enhance healing in various soft tissue injuries and promote tissue repair and regeneration, and inflammation modulation to help improve pain and function.
Procedure Involved in Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) Therapy
Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) treatment involves processing adipose (fat) tissue from the patient's own body to isolate and concentrate the regenerative components, particularly adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and growth factors. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:
- Harvesting Adipose Tissue: The procedure begins with the extraction of adipose tissue from the patient's body. Common donor sites for adipose tissue harvest include the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. A minor surgical procedure, such as liposuction or a mini-liposuction technique, is typically used to obtain the adipose tissue.
- Processing and Microfragmentation: Once harvested, the adipose tissue is processed to isolate the regenerative components. This processing step usually involves enzymatic digestion or mechanical disruption to break down the adipose tissue into smaller fragments. The goal is to release ADSCs, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules from the adipose tissue matrix.
- Centrifugation or Filtration: After fragmentation, the processed adipose tissue may undergo further steps such as centrifugation or filtration to separate the desired regenerative components from other tissue debris, oils, and fluids.
- Injection or Implantation: The concentrated MFAT product containing ADSCs and growth factors is then prepared for administration. Depending on the specific medical indication, the MFAT may be injected directly into the target tissue or implanted at the site of injury or pathology. In some cases, it may be combined with biomaterial scaffolds or carriers to enhance its therapeutic effects and facilitate tissue regeneration.
- Regenerative Effects: Once administered, the ADSCs and growth factors within the MFAT exert their regenerative effects. Over time, the regenerative properties of MFAT promote tissue repair and regeneration at the site of injury or pathology. This may manifest as improved function, reduced pain, enhanced tissue quality, and restoration of damaged structures.
Follow-up and Monitoring
Patients undergoing MFAT treatment typically undergo follow-up evaluations to assess the outcomes of the therapy. Depending on the medical indication, multiple treatment sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results.
Benefits of Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)
Some of the benefits of microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) therapy include:
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive compared to traditional surgical options to promote tissue repair and regeneration, and inflammation modulation to help improve pain and function.
- Autologous: Since the adipose tissue is derived from the patient’s own body, there is a reduced risk of rejection or adverse reactions.
- Regenerative Potential: The regenerative cells in MFAT can help in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and potentially delaying or preventing the need for more invasive procedures like joint replacement surgery.
