Description
of the Procedure
The
medical procedure was developed and refined by Dr. Fernando Ramirez
del Rio , medical director of the ISCRC. He is an orthopedic surgeon
with credentials obtained in Mexico, the United States and London
. The procedure is a combination of three techniques utilized in Europe
for several decades. It is the combination of these techniques that
produces the positive results, with each being essential but none
alone being sufficient.
The
spinal cord decompression and spinal canal remodeling surgery, which
typically lasts eight to twelve hours, is conducted by Dr. Ramirez
in tandem with Dr. Carlos Romero Gaitán, ISCRC chief neurosurgeon
and department chairman of neurosurgery at the Autonomous University
of Baja California, along with several additional surgeons and anesthesiologists
familiar with neural trauma.
During
the surgical procedure, the spinal cord itself is repaired utilizing
microsurgical techniques. These include removing all bone and other
fragments that may be pressing against the cord, removing scarring
tissue from the injury site, and draining cysts that may have developed
following injury. When needed, a specialized shunt developed by Dr.
Romero Gaitán is placed within the cyst to drain developing plasma
away from the cyst into the peritoneum for elimination.
The
damaged spinal column is then reconstructed and strengthened utilizing
advanced orthopedic procedures.
Finally,
embryonic cell cultures from the blue shark, developed by Dr. Wolfram
W. Kuhnau, are injected within the dura mater at the injury
site. The embryonic cells eventually form a matrix or infrastructure
that can accommodate neural transmissions when stimulated. The xenotransplants
result in much of the recovery of sensation, control of bodily function
and movement observed as a growth process in our patients over time.
Even immediately following surgery patients often report the recovery
of several centimeters of sensation below the injury site. Initial
recovery from the surgery usually requires four to six days.
How
Much Time for Total Recovery?
The
remaining recovery occurs over time and depends in part on the injury
level. The most serious cases might need to continue therapy from
four to six years. It requires periodic injections of embryonic spinal
cord and brain stem cell culture, nerve growth factors and scarring
inhibitors. 4-AP and Creatine Cystretinoicacid are also included in
the medical regimen.
The
blue shark embryo was chosen for two reasons: It has an uncommonly
strong immune system and its gestation period is nine months, similar
to humans. Embryonic cells rather than fetal cells are utilized because
they are not rejected by the host.
The
post-surgical procedure emphasizes a strong rehabilitation and physical
therapy program to strengthen supporting muscles and to retrain neural
pathways.
A
psychological support program is considered to be an essential part
of the therapeutic process. Creative powers of the mind can be utilized
on behalf of recovery. Because family members and loved ones are impacted
by the injury and play an important role in recovery, family psychosocial
support is also provided.
Positive
Results
The
results are very encouraging. A number of our paraplegic patients
are now walking. The quadriplegic patients treated to date are each
making substantial progress. Patients in earlier stages of recovery
are regaining sensation and control of bodily function. All are in
the process of seeing significant improvement. None have had regression
due to the surgical procedure or xenotransplants.
Although
the procedure has not yet been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration
(FDA), it is nonetheless conducted with the utmost medical care and
is evaluated with the highest ethical standards. It should also be
noted, due to the conservative nature of the initial medical evaluation,
that not everyone qualifies for the procedure.
At the time of the surgery
the surgical team implants embryonic cells into the spinal cord, which
starts the regeneration process. One treatment is not enough to regenerate
the damage that has been done. We recommend the patient return to
our office every two months for additional embryonic cell transplants.
The speed of recovery depends on the level of the injury and how frequently
the patient comes in for embryonic cell therapy. Someone that is a
C5 has a longer period of recovery than that of a L2.
During the bimonthly
visit, the physicians will evaluate the patient to see how much progress
has been made and, if necessary, adjust treatments protocols. The
patient will be able to chart their progress in a relatively short
time. We have had many patients notice immediate improvements the
day after the surgery.
It should be noted that
a comprehensive physical rehabilitation program is essential for patient
recovery during all phases of post surgical treatment.
What
The Treatment Includes