Abstract

The U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program is assessing the therapeutic value of adipose-derived stem cells for their dolphins. As part of this study, an ultrasound-guided liposuction technique was assessed for safety and efficacy. Ultrasound was utilized to identify the post-nuchal adipose depot location, measure the density, and aid in the placement of the liposuction cannula. Using sedation (Midazolam, IM) and local anesthesia, an infusion cannula was inserted into the subcutaneous adipose to infuse a tumescent solution consisting of lidocaine, epinephrine and saline. The collection area was massaged for 10 to 20 minutes to diffuse the tumescent solution evenly throughout the area, assist in the disruption of the adipose depot connective tissue, and ensure analgesia. The liposuction was performed using a harvesting cannula attached to a 60ml Toomey syringe by applying a vacuum to the syringe, monitoring the progression of the cannula to the collection area, and continuously moving the cannula to assist in the harvest. Throughout the entire procedure, ultrasound imaging was used to monitor cannula movements and identify the subcutaneous adipose depot. Liposuction procedures have yielded 0.91 to 12.67 grams of adipose. Samples were enzymatically digested to release cells from the adipose tissue matrix, and all six collections yielded sufficient nucleated cells to initiate primary cell cultures. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction in bottlenose dolphins proved to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure that resulted in successful adipose-derived stem cell harvests.

Acknowledgements

We thank our colleagues, staff, trainers, and research department at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program and the U.S. Army Animal Care Specialists for their crucial assistance in the implementation and execution of these procedures. We also thank the Navy's Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee and the Navy Bureau of Medicine for their oversight of and guidance on this study. This work was funded by Office of Naval Research contract N00014-09-C-0378.