Poster 144: No Difference in Chondrocyte Viability Using Scissor as Compared to Custom Cutter for Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Membrane (MACI)

Objectives: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is a well-established method for knee cartilage restoration that uses chondrocytes seeded onto porcine membrane. Preserving viability while ensuring the correct size and contour of MACI membrane critical to outcome. Traditional manual preparation has been performed using scissors (Sc). More recently, custom cutters (CC) have made easier more efficient. However, effect on cell currently unknown. The purpose this study was determine difference in between membranes prepared with either Sc or CC technique. Our hypothesis there would be no overall groups. Methods: approved by Institutional Review Board (IRB), all patients were consented prior surgery. remnant following surgical (N=5 patients) utilized purposes. A board-certified fellowship-trained surgeon each back table sterile Preparation included an untouched region (control), hand-cut 15 mm circular (Sc), custom-cut 15mm (CC). samples carefully transported media laboratory setting. In laboratory, regions further divided into three distinct zones depending their proximity cutting area (i.e., impact, adjacent, central zones), tested confocal laser scanning microscopy 3D Spot Segmentation quantify percentage Live/Dead cells within various (percentage live density presented x10 5 /cm 2 ). Impact Zone, which closest edge, defined boundary high density. This followed Adjacent Zone most inner Central Zone. calculated relative entire sample. increase dead affected total count represented as percentage. Results analyzed statistically. Results: lower both (40.94% ± 2.85, p < 0.005) (36.42% 3.85, groups when compared (74.17% 2.8 77.69% 2.97, respectively). remained samples, significant differences (77.18% 1.38 79.95% 1.99, p>.05). average Zones 5.84 0.26 6.49 0.34 x 10 (p>.05) respectively. 9.22% 0.79 group 10.17% 1.59 group, p>.05. Similarly, non-viable resulting from 3.75% 0.38 3.97% 0.22 cut groups, respectively, without Conclusions: technique demonstrated reduction (i.e. periphery) transplant. estimated approximately 10% roughly 4% increased death attributed group. There comparing Based these results, surgeons may consider performing procedure.