For international patients
One specialist. One sitting. A simpler cartilage journey.
NanoACi is a surgical technique performed by a cartilage surgeon, but without arthroscopy. It brings autologous cartilage micrografts, a collagen scaffold and platelet-rich fibrin together in one needle-delivered procedure.
Request an international assessmentIn plain English
What is NanoACi?
Your own tissue provides the biological starting material. A small sample of ear cartilage is mechanically prepared into micrografts. Your blood is used to prepare platelet-rich fibrin. These are combined with a cell-free collagen scaffold during the procedure, then delivered to the joint in the same sitting.
The small “i” matters: traditional ACI means autologous chondrocyte implantation. NanoACi names an autologous chondrogenic injection technique.
Your route to London
Designed around one planned visit.
- 01
Remote review
Share your history and recent imaging securely with the clinical team.
- 02
Specialist decision
Professor Lee reviews the joint, your goals and the alternatives with you.
- 03
One-stage procedure
The autologous components are prepared and delivered in the same sitting.
- 04
Follow-up at home
A personalised recovery plan connects your local care with the London team.
Watch · a full treatment day
What actually happens on the day.
Filmed at the clinic, from the first consultation through to the ultrasound-guided injection. Nothing is sent away to a laboratory and nothing waits for a second operation—the whole sequence below happens in a single visit.
Consultation and imaging review
Professor Lee goes through the joint, the imaging and the options with you before anything is prepared.
Your blood is drawn and prepared
A standard blood draw is processed at the clinic into platelet-rich fibrin.
A small cartilage sample is taken
Auricular cartilage is sampled from behind the ear under local anaesthetic and mechanically prepared into micrografts.
The components are combined at point of care
The micrografts, the platelet-rich fibrin and the collagen scaffold are brought together in the same sitting.
Ultrasound-guided delivery
The prepared combination is delivered into the joint by needle under ultrasound guidance. No arthroscopy.
Suitability before salesmanship
The scan starts the conversation. It does not finish it.
What type of cartilage damage is present?
Is it focal, diffuse—or part of a wider mechanical problem?
Are alignment, stability or the meniscus also affecting the joint?
What would a meaningful result look like for you?
Questions worth asking
Clear answers, before a decision.
Is NanoACi “just an injection”?
No. It is a surgeon-led, single-stage technique that uses a needle as the route of delivery. Specialist diagnosis, imaging review, sterile preparation and procedural judgement remain central.
Is it the same as PRP?
No. PRF is one part of NanoACi. The technique also uses autologous cartilage micrografts and a collagen scaffold, prepared and combined at point of care.
Does it guarantee new cartilage?
No biological procedure can guarantee that. The components have their own scientific and clinical evidence, while the complete NanoACi combination is now moving into a structured 100-case outcomes programme.
Is it right for bone-on-bone arthritis?
Advanced disease requires especially careful assessment. NanoACi may be discussed for some patients, but replacement, unloading, preservation and other injection options must remain part of an honest comparison.
What should I send for a first review?
Your recent MRI or X-ray report, a short clinical history, previous treatment details and the activity you most want to recover are a useful starting point.
Your first step
Find out whether preservation is still possible.
Start with a remote international assessment. The team will tell you what imaging is needed and whether a consultation is worthwhile before you travel.
Email the NanoACi team Read the evidence position