Arteriosclerosis

Our hospital has developed a Class II (Type II) Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan for the treatment of Arteriosclerosis using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal cells. Following review by a Certified Special Committee for Regenerative Medicine, we have filed the plan with the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan No.: PB5250067

Treatment of Arteriosclerosis Using Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Cells

Note: This treatment is provided entirely on a self-pay basis (not covered by insurance).

Eligibility / Indication

This treatment is intended for patients who have been diagnosed with Arteriosclerosis.

What is Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis occurs when damage to the vascular endothelium and inflammation develop due to factors such as lifestyle habits and imbalance in the body’s internal environment. Over time, plaque forms, and the blood vessels become hardened and narrowed. As the condition progresses, it may lead to life-threatening diseases such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebral infarction (stroke).

ADSCs are known to have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types, including vascular endothelial and nerve cells. They also secrete substances that may help suppress inflammation. By reducing inflammation, this therapy is expected to help prevent worsening of symptoms.

Subcutaneous fat is collected from the patient, ADSCs are isolated and cultured, and then administered intravenously. Because the cells are derived from the patient, this treatment is less likely to cause a rejection reaction.

Treatment Process

01Adipose Tissue Collection

Adipose tissue is collected in the operating room at Iseikai International General Hospital. Typically, under local anesthesia, approximately 1.0 g is taken from an area around the navel where the incision is less noticeable.
The collected tissue is then promptly transported to the culture room at our affiliated Osaka Iseikai Cancer & Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment Clinic.

02Stem Cell Culture and Cryopreservation

In the culture room, stem cells are isolated from the adipose tissue and cultured for approximately one month.

During the culture process, a portion of the cells is cryopreserved (frozen and stored). These cryopreserved cells are used for subsequent stem cell administrations (from the second treatment onward). In line with the administration schedule, the frozen cells are thawed and re-cultured to obtain a sufficient number of cells for use on the day of treatment.

03Stem Cell Administration

The prepared cell solution is administered under sterile conditions in the infusion room at ISEIKAI International General Hospital.

The procedure typically takes approximately two hours.

Patients Who Are Not Eligible for This Treatment

The following individuals are not eligible to receive this treatment:

Patients with hypersensitivity to anesthetics or any substances used during cell culture when tissue is collected
Patients who have had an allergic reaction to penicillin, streptomycin, or amphotericin B, which are used during the culture process
Patients who test positive on viral/bacterial screening tests (e.g., HIV, syphilis)
Minors (under the age of majority)
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Patients who have cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatment
Patients with a BMI of 40 or higher
Patients with bleeding/clotting disorders (i.e., blood that does not clot easily)
Any other patients deemed ineligible by the physician

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Because the patient’s own cells are used, the risk of a rejection reaction is considered to be very low.
Redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or pain may occur at the fat-harvesting site or at the IV infusion site.
There is a potential risk of pulmonary thromboembolism, so the infusion must be administered slowly and carefully. As a result, the procedure may take longer.

Attending Physicians

ISEIKAI International General Hospital – Department of Cardiovascular Medicine: Yasuyuki Toyama
ISEIKAI International General Hospital – Department of Orthopedic Surgery: Minoru Yoneda
ISEIKAI International General Hospital – Department of Neurosurgery: Toshiki Yoshimine
ISEIKAI International General Hospital – Medical Checkup Center SOPHIA: Koshiro Ando
ISEIKAI International General Hospital – Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Michiko Tani

Cost

Please contact us for pricing information.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)

Is regenerative medicine safe?

At our clinic, we use the patient’s own cells; therefore, the risk of rejection reactions and infections is considered to be low. The treatment is provided in accordance with strict standards established by the national authorities, and we take every precaution to ensure safety.
Is this covered by insurance?

This treatment is not covered under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Advanced Medical Care” program or under Japan’s public health insurance system. Accordingly, all treatment costs must be paid in full by the patient.
Can anyone receive this treatment?

Eligibility is determined comprehensively based on pre-treatment evaluations, including detailed examinations and a medical interview. Only patients who meet certain criteria—such as the severity of Arteriosclerosis and overall health status—will be considered eligible. Please visit us for an initial consultation first.

For Appointments & Inquiries

ISEIKAI International General Hospital – Orthopedic Surgery
international-division@holonicsystem.com

Information for Outpatients