The plug is a core of cartilage and bone.
The plug is 'press fit' into the prepared defect, without any fibrin glue.
One-stage OATS procedure
In an Osteochondral Autologous Transfer System the plug of tissue (osteochondral graft) is taken from the patient rather than from a donor. It is a 'one-stage' procedure, where the harvesting and the grafting are performed at the same surgery.
Peer-reviewed papers
Quote:
"The OATS procedure has traditionally been considered an open procedure. However, with the advancement of arthroscopic techniques, the procedure can now be completed arthroscopically."
Citation: Rowland R, Colello M, Wyland DJ. Osteochondral Autograft Transfer Procedure: Arthroscopic Technique and Technical Pearls. Arthrosc Tech. 2019 Jun 11;8(7):e713-e719. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2019.03.006. PMID: 31485397; PMCID: PMC6713909.