Can I have sedation for the procedure?
Absolutely. Dr. Hostetter is a board-certified anesthesiologist who will provide sedation during the bone marrow harvest, the injection, or both if you desire, at minimal cost. Many patients prefer to be "unaware" during the procedure and for these patients, sedation is an excellent option. In the event that you choose to have sedation during your procedure, you will be monitored continuously during the procedure. After the procedure, we will observe you in our recovery area until you have fully recovered from sedation.
What happens during the Stem Cell Therapy harvest and injection?
On your treatment day, if you are having the procedure done with sedation, we will first place an IV in your hand or arm. If you choose not to have sedation, we will not place an IV. For the Stem Cell Therapy harvest, we will have you lay either on your stomach or your back and position yourself to your comfort. If you are having sedation, that will be started once you are positioned. Your skin will be washed and draped to keep it sterile. We will inject your skin with a local anesthetic. The bone marrow is then harvested using specialized equipment, including ultrasound for visualization during the procedure. This process is usually not painful, with only mild discomfort. After the bone marrow is harvested, we then employ our proprietary process of separation and concentration to produce the Stem Cell Therapy product. Once we have the final product, we will then inject the Stem Cell Therapy product at your site of injury. Following the procedure, we will briefly monitor you in our recovery area before discharging you home.
