Is the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma gels in gynecologic, cardiac, and general, reconstructive surgery beneficial?

Tissue repair at wound sites begins with clot formation, and subsequently platelet degranulation with the release of platelet growth factors, which are necessary and well-regulated processes to achieve wound healing. Platelet-derived growth factors are biologically active substances that enhance tissue repair mechanisms, such as chemotaxis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition, and remodeling. This review describes the biological background and results on the topical use of autologous platelet-rich plasma and platelet gel in gynecologic, cardiac, and general surgical procedures, including chronic wound management and soft-tissue injuries.

Autologous platelet gel in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study.

Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often associated with major postoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, and impaired wound healing. The application of autologous platelet gel (APG), prepared from the buffy coat of a unit of autologous blood, has been advocated to improve haemostasis after surgery, to decrease perioperative blood loss, diminish postoperative pain and to enhance the wound healing process. This randomized controlled pilot study was developed to assess the effects of APG after total knee arthroplasty on blood loss, wound healing, pain, range of motion, and hospital stay.

Dutch perfusion incident survey.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass procedures remain complex, involving many potential risks. Therefore, a nationwide retrospective study was conducted to gain insight into the number of incidents and accidents in Dutch adult perfusion practice.

Methods: An anonymous postal survey (85 questions about hardware, disposables, fluids and medication, air emboli, anticoagulation, practice, and safety measures) was sent to all Dutch perfusionists involved in adult cardiovascular perfusion during 2006 and 2007.

Platelet leukocyte gel facilitates bone substitute growth and autologous bone growth in a goat model.

The aim of this study is to evaluate multiple conditions on the formation of bone growth in a goat model. We prepared from a unit of whole blood, platelet-leukocyte gel (PLG) to stimulate bone formation, based on the release of platelet growth factors. Two 3-compartment cages containing autologous bone, calcium phosphate, and trabecular metal were implanted onto goat spinal transverse processes.

Antimicrobial activity of platelet-leukocyte gel against Staphylococcus aureus.

Platelet-leukocyte gel (PLG) contains high concentrations of platelets and leukocytes. As leukocytes play an important role in the innate host-defense, we hypothesized that PLG might have antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of PLG against Staphylococcus aureus and the contribution of myeloperoxidase (MPO), present in leukocytes, in this process.

Autologous platelet gel and fibrin sealant enhance the efficacy of total knee arthroplasty: improved range of motion, decreased length of stay and a reduced incidence of arthrofibrosis.

In this study we describe the potential role of autologous platelet gel and fibrin sealant in unilateral total knee arthroplasty to improve the postoperative range of motion and to reduce the incidence of arthrofibrosis. Total knee arthroplasty is often associated with a considerable amount of post-operative blood loss. Persistent limited motion directly after surgery may ultimately result in arthrofibrosis.

Platelet-rich plasma preparation using three devices: implications for platelet activation and platelet growth factor release.

Background: In this study, three commercial systems for the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were compared and platelet growth factors release was measured.

Methods: Ten healthy volunteers donated whole blood that was fractionated by a blood cell separator, and a table-top centrifuge to prepare PRP. Furthermore, an autologous growth factor filter was used to concentrate PRP fractionated by the blood cell separator.

Platelet-rich plasma and platelet gel: a review.

Strategies to reduce blood loss and transfusion of allogeneic blood products during surgical procedures are important in modern times. The most important and well-known autologous techniques are preoperative autologous predonation, hemodilution, perioperative red cell salvage, postoperative wound blood autotransfusion, and pharmacologic modulation of the hemostatic process. At present, new developments in the preparation of preoperative autologous blood component therapy by whole blood platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) sequestration have evolved.