An annual recognition that in 2016 honors inventors, engineering teams, physicians, and companies that have created the most innovative, durable, and practical products and technologies for treating injured athletes across various sectors: from sports to industrial, military, or healthcare settings.
Winning Technology: The Lipogems® System
Inventor: Professor Carlo Tremolada
The Lipogems® system is a closed device that enables partial washing and micro-fragmentation of autologous adipose tissue. The obtained Lipogems® product can be used to fill, repair, and reconstruct soft tissue defects. Under ultrasound guidance, processed Lipogems® can be injected directly into damaged tissue to provide structural grafting and regenerative scaffolding to the affected area.
Utilizing the well-established regenerative properties of autologous adipose tissue, Lipogems® is FDA-compliant. By maintaining the structural characteristics of the tissue, the Lipogems® product is considered minimally manipulated, falling under CFR1271.361 exemptions, allowing physicians to use the device in a single surgical procedure under current FDA regulations.
The viscous properties of the processed tissue allow Lipogems® to be injected through a small blunt cannula needle which, while maintaining the intact vasculostromal niche, provides a naturally derived regenerative matrix. The adhesive property of adipocytes enables Lipogems® to remain in the injection site, providing both structural support and tissue remodeling.
The adipose layer contains cells and tissues with regenerative properties that are optimized following the Lipogems® system's washing and microfragmentation process. This tissue exhibits antimicrobial and immunomodulatory characteristics and natural anti-inflammatory effects, potentially providing a natural and lasting alternative to steroids and a regenerative alternative or adjunct to surgical procedures.
