German Haemapheresis Centre

and

German Apheresis Research Centre

Autologous platelets for wound sealing and the improvement of wound healing

-information-

Prior to elective surgery (e.g. ophtalmology and oral surgery) the German Haemapheresis Centre (DHZ) offers the preparation of autologous platelets for wound sealing and improving wound healing.

Scientific background

The fast sealing of surgical wounds has been practised successfully in retinal and oral surgery. In contrast to fibrin glue, which exclusively causes a sealing of wounds, the use of platelet gel also leads to a faster wound healing or ossification due to the release of growth factors like PDGF (platelet derived growth factor), TGF-alpha and -beta (transforming growth factor) and IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor). Several clinical studies demonstrated the positive effect of the application of platelet gel in the above mentioned procedures.

Principles of process

Highly concentrated platelet concentrates can be collected from autologous whole blood during two cycles of centrifugation. The whole preparation process takes place in a closed system. The operator receives a blood bag with a content of approximately 5 ml of platelet concentrate, which can be drawn up in a syringe via adapter.

Performance of autologous platelet donation Prior to elective surgery the patient will be announced about his donation time at the DHZ from the responsible hospital in due time. The patient who requests autologous donation is simultanously informed about the scheduled operation time and the name of the surgeon. Due to the limited possibility of storage, which is restricted to 48 hours, the patient has to undergo donation 1 - 2 days prior to surgery.

The platelet concentrates at the DHZ are processed and stored under controlled conditions and are delivered towards the collaborationg medical centre immediately prior to the elective surgical procedure.

Further information / contact

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the doctors at the DHZ (Prof. Dr. M. Tauchert, Prof. Dr. Dr. H. Borberg, J. Otto or Dr. D. Handschel).

Literatur

Camargo PM et al. Platelet-rich plasma and bovine porous bone mineral combined with guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of intrabony defects in humans. J Periodontal Res 2002; 37(4):300-6.

Petrungaro PS. Using platelet-rich plasma to accelerate soft tissue maturation in esthetic periodontal surgery. Compend Contin Educ Dent 2001; 22(9):729-32, 734, 736.

Lekovic Vet al. Comparison of platelet-rich plasma, bovine porous bone mineral, and guided tissue regeneration versus platelet-rich plasma and bovine porous bone mineral in the treatment of intrabony defects: a reentry study. J Perio-dontol 2002; 73(2):198-205.

Aghaloo TL et al. Investigation of platelet-rich plasma in rabbit cranial defects: a pilot study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002; 60(10):1176-81.

Anitua E. Plasma rich in growth factors: preliminary results of use in the preparation of future sites for implants. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 1999; 14(4):529-35.

Gruber R et al. Platelets stimulate proliferation of bone cells: involvement of platelet-derived growth factor, micropar-ticles and membranes. Clin Oral Implants Res 2002; 13(5):529-35.

Anitua E et al. Autologous platelets as a source of proteins for healing and tissue regeneration. Thromb Haemost. 2004; 91:4-15.

Yazawa M et al. Basic studies on the clinical applications of platelet-rich plasma. Cell Transplant 2003; 12:509-518.

Sanchez AR et al. Is platelet-rich plasma the perfect enhancement factor? A current review. Int J Oral Maxillofac Im-plants 2003; 18:93-103.

Bhanot S et al. Current applications of pletelt gels in facial plastic surgery. Facial Plast Surg 2002; 18:27-33.

Man D et al. The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (platelet gel) and autologous platelet-poor plasma (fibrin glue) in cosmetic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2001; 107:229-237.