Stem Cell & PRP Surgery

Dr. Vazquez has been at the forefront of stem cell/platelet rich plasma (PRP) surgery, performing these procedures for many years with the collaboration of a group of human perfusionists (Perfusion Concepts Inc.) lead by Angela Nava BA, CCP. Dr. Vazquez has been using bone marrow derived stem cells to treat soft tissue injuries. Most procedures are done under general anesthesia to allow the horse to be non-weight bearing for the ultrasound guided injection of the stem cells and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). The stem cells are collected from the sternum, often tapping into 2-4 sternum vertebral bodies to maximize the number of collected cells. The Platelets, the main product in PRP, are found naturally in the blood. Platelets contain alpha granules. These Alpha granules are loaded with anti-inflammatory chemical mediators that will make the injured site to be a fertile ground for the new undifferentiated stem cells to multiply and heal the injured tissue.  A highly concentrated PRP solution is mixed during surgery with a newly harvested and concentrated stem cell suspension, and injected into the patients injured site. Dr. Vazquez’s stem cell/PRP surgeries, have allowed world class athletes go back and successfully compete at the highest level of international competition.  Such patients like “Ravel” after suffering a career ending injury, went on to place fourth in the Beijing Olympics, was the first American horse to win the world cup in the United States, and was the first horse in the last 78 years to win individual medals at the World Equestrian Games. “Floriano,” after a severe hind end proximal suspensory ligament tear went on to place third in the world cup in dressage. There are also numerous grand prix jumpers that have gone back and successfully resumed their jumping careers.