In Vitro Characterization of Fat Grafts Processed Using the REVOLVE ENVI System versus Decantation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Fat grafting is a widely used reconstructive and aesthetic procedure.
• Optimizing the processing of lipoaspirate is crucial for improving graft survival and clinical outcomes.
• Current methods like decantation have limitations in preserving fat graft quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the benchtop/in vitro properties of fat grafts processed using the REVOLVE ENVI 600 system versus decantation.
• To evaluate the fat viability and activity of grafts processed by the REVOLVE ENVI system.
• To analyze the composition and characteristics of REVOLVE ENVI waste.

Main Methods:

• Lipoaspirate from six donors was processed using either the REVOLVE ENVI 600 system or decantation.
• Graft composition, hematocrit, fat particle size, viable adipocyte count, and adipocyte activity were analyzed.
• Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was assessed for progenitor cell count and colony-forming units (CFUs).

Main Results:

• REVOLVE ENVI grafts exhibited significantly higher fat content (85.6% vs. 72.1%) with minimal debris and oil.
• Grafts processed by REVOLVE ENVI had lower hematocrit and a higher proportion of large fat globules (>1000 µm).
• REVOLVE ENVI processing resulted in 145% more viable adipocytes, 146% greater adipocyte activity, and significantly higher progenitor cells and CFUs in the SVF compared to decantation.

Conclusions:

• The REVOLVE ENVI 600 system effectively processes lipoaspirate, yielding fat grafts with superior in vitro characteristics.
• Fat grafts processed with REVOLVE ENVI demonstrate enhanced fat viability, adipocyte activity, and progenitor cell content.
• These findings suggest the REVOLVE ENVI system may offer improved outcomes in fat grafting procedures.