A scaffold seeded with chondrocytes and bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells for cartilage defects

The INSTRUCT device enables the seeding of cultured primary chondrocytes together with freshly isolated bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells into a porous scaffold, to treat cartilage defects. The INSTRUCT components are: a cell processor, a load-bearing mechanically functional scaffold and a reusable surgical instrumentation. The scaffold is prepared in INSTRUCT. The proprietary cell processor unit isolates the primary chondrocytes from the patient's cartilage and the mononuclear cells from the bone marrow and mixes them with the scaffold. The device facilitates intra-operative cell processing and requires minimally invasive surgery. Treated patients regained the ability to fully bear weight and also regained the range of motion of their legs.