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.
