CPT® Code 0489T

Autologous adipose-derived regenerative cell therapy for scleroderma in the hands; adipose tissue harvesting, isolation and preparation of harvested cells including incubation with cell dissociation enzymes, removal of non-viable cells and debris, determination of concentration and dilution of regenerative cells

Autologous adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC) therapy is a specialized medical procedure designed to treat scleroderma, particularly affecting the hands. Scleroderma is a rare and chronic connective tissue disorder that leads to the hardening of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, blood vessels, and potentially major organs. The manifestation of scleroderma in the hands can occur months or even years before systemic involvement, resulting in significant dysfunction and disability for the patient. Symptoms associated with hand scleroderma include ischemia, fibrosis, painful digital ulcers, sclerodactyly (thickening and tightening of the skin on the fingers), Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition causing reduced blood flow to the fingers), pale skin discoloration due to narrowed blood vessels, calcium deposits in soft tissues, swelling, joint pain, and stiffness. ADRC therapy utilizes the patient’s own adipose (fat) tissue, which is harvested through a minimally invasive liposuction technique. This harvested tissue contains a rich source of stem cells that play a crucial role in tissue repair and modification of disease progression. The therapy aims to promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), reduce inflammation, and decrease fibrosis, ultimately preserving hand function and enhancing the patient’s quality of life. The preparation of the ADRCs involves a proprietary system that includes the incubation of the harvested cells with specific enzymes, the removal of non-viable cells and debris, and the careful determination of the concentration and dilution of the regenerative cells. This process ensures that the cells are optimally prepared for injection into the patient’s hands on the same day as the harvesting procedure.