Autologous Platelet Gel was developed in the early 1970's as a by-product of multi-component pheresis platelet gel (plasma-rich platelets). This is a new procedure which utilizes the patient's own, or autologous, platelets. Briefly, here's how the procedure works:

Sixty milliliters of blood is drawn, the blood is then processed in an automated  FDA approved device. This is the platelet concentrate used for Platelet Gel. Depending on the initial platelet counts, it is common to achieve platelet counts in excess of 500,000 to over 1-million per milliliter.

While white cell content increases 125% with selection for lymphocytes and monocytes, the inclusion of platelets and white cells appears to have several beneficial aspects. On activation with thrombin to form a coagulum, the platelets interdigitate with the forming fibrin web, developing a gel with adhesiveness and strength materially greater than the plasma alone. Thrombin also causes platelets to immediately release highly active vasoconstrictors, including beta thromboxane and serotonin. In addition, platelets contain many tissue growth factors, including PDGR, TGF-B, PDAF, and PAF in elevated concentrations.

These platelet-derived growth factors:

· Increase tissue vascularity through increased angiogenesis.

· Are chemotactic for monocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts.

· Promote fibroblast proliferation.

· Increase the rate of epithelial and granulation tissue production.

· Enhance osteogenesis and promote angiogenesis.

· Promote epithelial and collagen synthesis, thereby enhancing and accelerating soft-tissue wound healing and bone osteogenesis. The high concentration of leukocytes in the buffy coat add an antimicrobial effect, while wound hemostasis and lymphatic sealing provide an opportunity to eliminate post-operative drains and reduce pain.