Description

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP has been used for over a decade in orthopedic surgery. PRP is a concentration of the body’s native platelets (which contain growth factors and complimentary proteins) that can assist the healing process. PRP is made by taking a patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge (a centrifuge rotates an object rapidly). Blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) are separated based on their density. Platelets are lighter in weight than other components of our blood. When the patient’s blood is spun in a centrifuge, the platelets are easily separated, without being damaged.

The Arthrex ACP® double-syringe system separates the patient’s blood in the same manner as a routine laboratory blood test. The ACP device is placed in a centrifuge and spun for 5 minutes. Spinning the blood concentrates the platelets and growth factors within the plasma layer and separates them from the other blood components. When spinning is complete, it is removed from the centrifuge. The yellow plasma layer containing the platelets is extracted and is ready for the physician to treat the patient.

The Angel® system is used by your physician to concentrate platelets and growth factors within a plasma layer (just like the Arthrex ACP double-syringe system). This system gives the clinician the opportunity to change the amount and type of cells to prepare a customized treatment option that is specific to each patient’s needs. The process begins by removing a small amount of blood from the patient, in the same manner as a routine laboratory blood test. The patient’s blood is put into the Angel system, a technologically advanced centrifuge which allows the desired cells to be separated from the other components of the blood. This PRP may then be used by the physician at the point of care for a variety of treatment applications.