Efficacy of the combination of umbilical fat and venous blood on limb salvage

TL;DR

This study shows that combining umbilical fat and venous blood improves blood flow, reduces pain, and enhances mobility in patients with severe leg artery disease.

Contribution

The novel approach combines adipose and venous blood-derived SVF for treating chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Findings

ABI improved significantly at 12 months, indicating better limb perfusion.

Pain scores decreased and pain-free walking distance increased over time.

Angiography showed enhanced vessel visualization and collateral formation.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of combined umbilical adipose tissue and venous blood–derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on limb perfusion, pain and functional recovery in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

A total of 20 patients aged between 36 and 82 years (mean age: 60.3 ± 11.2 years) were included in the study. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), pain scores and pain-free walking distance were evaluated before treatment and at follow-up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

At 12 months, ABI increased significantly, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) decreased, while pain-free walking distance improved at 9 and 12 months compared to baseline. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) showed a non-significant rise (54.6%–55.2%, p = 0.072), while renal function improved modestly (creatinine 1.12 → 1.09 mg/dL, eGFR 78 → 80.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.034). Angiography revealed enhanced vessel visualization and collateral formation.

Combined Autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) and adipose-derived SVF injections effectively improved limb perfusion, pain, lesion severity and functional outcomes in CLTI patients, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

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