Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique
of harvesting and preparing autologous platelet gel
and autologous fibrin glue (body glue) and to evaluate
their effectiveness in stopping capillary bleeding in the
surgical flaps of patients undergoing face-lift.
Methods/Technique:
A sample of 40 patients ranging from 35 to 72
years of age undergoing face lift involving the
creation of a surgical flap were included in the study. The
types of surgical procedures included face lifts, and neck lifts.
Platelet poor and platelet-rich plasma were prepared during the
procedure from autologous blood using a compact, tabletop,
The platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma
were combined with a thrombin-calcium chloride solution
to produce autologous fibrin glue and autologous platelet
gel, respectively.
Results/Complications:
Capillary bed bleeding was present in all
cases and effectively sealed within 3 minutes following the
application of platelet gel and fibrin glue. Patients treated with APG demonstrated less edema and/or ecchymosis.
Conclusion:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation currently used in plastic surgery. Blood collection and preparation of platelet concentrates may lead to platelet activation and the premature loss of their granular load. In this study, we have analyzed the quality of the PRP obtained from
a small volume of whole blood through a double centrifugation technique, so called "tube method".
Autologous platelet gel and fibrin glue prepared by the automated concentrate
system are similar as with autotransfusor-prepared platelet
gel and could be compared with Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corp.), a commercially
prepared fibrin sealant preparation.
The technique for making the solution and for evaluating its effectiveness in achieving and maintaining hemostasis during surgical procedures is described.