AutoCart™ Overview Articular Cartilage Repair The AutoCart surgical technique uses the patient's own cells to create a high-quality scaffold for cartilage repair, in combination with the Thrombinator system to rapidly enhance the clotting cascade and produce a thrombin clot to seal the AutoCart graft into the defect, optimizing biologic potential. Kits available for knee, hip, and talus Procedure for Symptomatic Cartilage Defects A key component of the global AutoCart technique, the GraftNet device is designed to collect autologous tissue for a multitude of applications. Control the particulate size with the universal shaver attachment and make accessing autograft tissue as simple as Resect and Collect™. Preparation Positioning the Patient: Place the patient in a supine position under general or regional anesthesia Tourniquet: A tourniquet may be used to reduce bleeding in some cases Technique Single-stage, arthroscopic technique Using GraftNet™: Harvest Osteochondral Tissue: Use the GraftNet™ device to obtain osteochondral plugs from a non-weight-bearing area of the femoral condyle or another area of the joint Prepare the Tissue: The collected tissue will be used to create a scaffold for the cartilage defect Mix with BioCartilage®: After harvesting the tissue, it is combined with BioCartilage® extracellular matrix, which provides the essential components for cartilage repair like collagen and proteoglycans Add Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Use the Arthrex ACP® Double-Syringe System to prepare the PRP from the patient’s own blood. Mix the PRP with the osteochondral tissue and BioCartilage® matrix to create the graft Preparation of the Cartilage Defect: Assess the Defect: Visually assess the cartilage defect and ensure it is stable and well-defined Prepare the Subchondral Bone: Use a microfracture technique or drill to create small holes in the subchondral bone. This step will promote marrow stimulation and encourage healing of the cartilage Placement of the Graft: Carefully place the prepared graft into the cartilage defect. Ensure that the graft fills the defect completely and is level with the surrounding healthy cartilage Use the Thrombinator™ System to assist in creating a gel-like consistency for the PRP, helping to hold the graft in place Secure the Graft: The graft should be fixed in place by using gentle pressure or mechanical fixation, ensuring it remains stable within the defect site If needed, use a suturing technique or additional adhesives to secure the graft firmly Monitoring and Recovery: Place the patient in a brace or splint post-surgery to limit movement in the affected joint Provide proper post-operative instructions, including weight-bearing restrictions, range of motion exercises, and follow-up visits Rehabilitation: Gradually reintroduce weight-bearing exercises and physical therapy to help restore joint function and ensure the graft integrates with the surrounding tissue Monitor for signs of graft healing, such as tissue incorporation and reduced pain Technical details Small, contained lesions with minimal subchondral bone damage ≤2 cm2 in knee; ≤1.5 cm2 in ankle Autologous chondrocytes harvested using the GraftNet™ device