Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Why Stem Cells Now:

Advances in Regenerative Medicine have allowed Dr. Sobo to offer his patients access to the cutting edge technology of Adult Stem Cell Therapy. Stem Cells have been the subject of research for their effectiveness for a variety of disorders. The conditions that stem cell therapy may be effective for include disorders for which there may not be, at present, any effective medical treatments such as Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and many others.

Our office is now participating in research studies that are underway in the field of stem cell therapy. Therefore, we can offer our patients convenient access this advanced tech therapy here in Stamford, CT, in Optimal Health Medical’s caring and nurturing environment. The investigational therapies offered follow treatment protocols designed by a research IRB
(Institutional Review Board).

The main goal of this therapy is to augment the body’s natural repair system by increasing the amount of available stem cells that aid the body in their natural restorative process.

The Stem Cell Procedure

Optimal Health Medical, LLC uses adult “autologous” stem cells, meaning that they are derived and taken from your own body, which avoids the possibility of rejection. A simple in-office procedure a called a “bone marrow aspiration” is performed to obtain your own stem cells.

HOW IS BONE MARROW ASPIRATION PERFORMED?

Bone marrow is extracted from the back of a patient’s pelvis called the posterior iliac crest.

The doctor will inject a local anesthetic (numbing agent), to prevent discomfort and pain. Bone Marrow aspiration involves one small incision in the skin to introduce the bone marrow needle for aspiration. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but it is brief, and if needed more local anesthesia will be provided.

HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE?

The actual extraction takes just a couple of 2 minutes. The full procedure and visit will take up to a couple of hours. During that time the handling of the bone marrow sample will include separating the red blood cells, and placing the sample in a centrifuge for its final preparation for injection back into the body.

Utilizing the most advanced technique for stem cell injection, the doctor will perform what is called a Guided Stem Cell Injection. Guided injection stem cell treatments are done by the doctor using a portable ultrasound machine, positioned to allow the doctor to see the needle as he guides it to the area to be injected.

IS THE PROCEDURE SAFE?

Bone marrow aspirations are safe when properly performed in a sterile environment. Complications are rare but can include:

• Bleeding- particularly in patients who take blood thinner medications or have a clotting disorder or a low platelet count. In these cases, the procedure may still be safely performed using cautions provided by the doctor in consultation.
• Infection- especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Antibiotics are usually given pre and post extraction to prevent infection.

The risks of a bone marrow aspirate include the following: pain or temporary discomfort and/or bruise at the site of the puncture. Post-procedure treatment guidelines will be provided in the initial consultation.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY TIME?

Most patients are able to return to basic daily activities in 3 days but some pain may be felt at the aspiration site for up to 1 week. Return to exercise or sports or which place on the joint may take several weeks, and guided by the doctor on an individualized basis.