Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Asthma is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic). It can be exercised induced or occupational. Asthma affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide and caused 250,000 deaths in 2009. Traditional management usually focuses on reduction to allergen exposure and medical therapy that consists of beta-2-agonists, anti-cholinergics, or inhaled corticosteroids.

Research has been ongoing around the world that exploits the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties of adult stem cells to control the reactive airways associated with asthma. The Cell Surgical Network is investigating the effects of SVF (rich in mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors) on chronic asthma. We use a protocol that includes a combination of intravenous and nebulized SVF delivery. The deployment protocol performed under local anesthesia is all done as an outpatient at the time of SVF harvesting and procurement. The entire cellular surgical procedure takes approximately 3 hours.