Cell technologies SmartCell

Facilities of the Cell-Based Technology Department of the VIRTUS Clinic

Cellular therapy or cell transplantation (also called cytotherapy) is a promising direction in medicine, providing safe and effective treatment of diseases. Due to the cells derived from the patient’s own tissues, cell-based technologies allow regenerating the structure and function of damaged organs or tissues, reducing the signs of aging and enhancing the quality of life.

More than 2500 patients of the VIRTUS Institute have already taken the course of effective cell therapy treatment.

The Department of Cell-Based Technology at the VIRTUS Institute provides:

• laboratory tests

The patients have a thorough medical check (biochemical, immunological, microbiological, virological, oncology screening tests). Accurate diagnostics proves the efficiency and safety of patient’s biomaterial (as cell-based medical preparations are made from the patient’s own tissues);

• cultivation of human cells and tissues

The cells grown in the SmartCell laboratory are to be analyzed through genetic, immunological, microbiological and other types of specific studies, proving their safety. The laboratory issues a quality certificate for each cell-based medicinal product before starting the patient’s treatment;

• cryogenic storage of cells
• introduction of cell-based medical preparations (systemic or local)

Распаковка биоматериала, подготовленного в лаборатории SmartCell

In the anti-aging procedures, the cell-based medical preparation is injected into the skin of face; in the treatment of joint diseases – the cell-based medical preparation is injected into the joint area; in the treatment of systemic diseases – the cell-based medical preparation is injected intravenously.

Disease Treatment By Means of Stem Cells

Cell therapy and cell-based technologies provide effective and safe treatment of severe diseases caused by organ damage. Stem cells have a unique ability to transform into any type of cell. After their introduction into the body, the tissues and functions of affected organ present the progressive recovery. The disease manifestation is significantly reduced and the patient’s physical well-being improves.

Using of stem cells in medicine helps the whole organism return to normal, avoid the disease complications and thus, enhance the quality of patient’s life.

Stem cell therapy for diabetes helps regenerate damaged pancreatic tissues and increase the production of the patient’s own insulin. As a result of cell therapy, the patient may need less insulin injections or none at all.

Cell-based technologies are also used to treat complications of diabetes mellitus that makes the entire body suffer (the vessels, retina, kidneys and nervous tissue, in particular). Cell therapies for diabetes complications result in the successful regenerative process of damaged tissues and body functioning.

Treatment of liver cirrhosis by means of stem cells – especially at an early stage – makes it possible to restore the structure and functions of the organ in the natural way, without using expensive implantation. After the introduction of stem cells, the damaged liver is regenerated, hepatic metabolism processes in the body return to normal.

Services and Procedures in Cell Therapy

The Cell-Based Technology Department of the VIRTUS Institute of Advanced Medicine provides the following services and procedures for Medical Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine:

• rejuvenation (anti-aging) and regeneration of the body by means of stem cells; prevention and treatment of diseases or their complications;
• bioinsurance – creation and storage of the stem cell reserve that can be used for body rejuvenation, treatment or recovery after severe illnesses. In case of having no age-related changes or diseases, the patients of the VIRTUS Institute have a unique opportunity to save a sample of their skin tissue for further fibroblast cultivation in the SmartCell laboratory – either to regain health and youth or prevent skin fading.

Cell-based technologies have been successfully used in medical asthetics for the prevention and correction of the signs of aging, as well. The Institute of Advanced Medicine VIRTUS presents its own patented technique of rejuvenation without surgery – neofibrolifting The introduction of autologous fibroblasts into the skin provides its tightness and elasticity, prevents the uneven skin tone and smoothes the wrinkles. The effect of skin rejuvenation after the neofibrolifting procedure intensifies within 1.5 years and keeps for long – up to 5 years.

Stem Cell Treatment Consultation

Stem cell treatment in Odessa at the VIRTUS Institute of Advanced Medicine begins with a doctor’s consultation. If planning aesthetic procedures,you need consulting a dermatologist and a cosmetologist. In case of desease treatment, the consultation is held directly by the Head of the VIRTUS Clinic – Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Vladimir Alexandrovich Tsepkolenko.

If necessary, specialized doctors of the Clinic (a gastroenterologist, a neuropathologist, an endocrinologist) may also take part in the initial consultation (it depends on the case). Shared decision-making helps select the most effective strategy of stem cell treatment.

To facilitate therapeutic action, the required amount of cell-based medical preparation and the frequency of its administration are calculated. Then the patient is administered a list of diagnostic medical tests, including:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• urine test;
• tests for HIV and viral hepatitis;
• oncology screening tests.

In 5-7 days, at the next consultation, the doctor fixes the date of cell sampling. The third stage of preparation for stem cell treatment is the collection of biomaterial for cultivation in the SmartCell laboratory. It is performed in the operating room of the VIRTUS Institute under local anesthesia by the highly experienced surgeon.