The platelet gel is derived from the patient's own plasma and is made in the operating room. After a small amount of the patient's blood is drawn, it is put into a centrifuge machine that separates out the platelet rich plasma. The fact that the platelet gel is derived from the patient's own blood eliminates the risk of acquired diseases possible with other pooled blood products. Following endoscopic surgery, the gel is sprayed into the sinus cavity.
"The gel is rich in wound factors. It contains platelets for clotting, growth hormones for healing, and white cells to fight infection," said Dr. Jay M. Dutton, study co-author and assistant professor of otolaryngology at Rush. "It effectively stops the bleeding and may advance the healing process."
The plasma gel replaces temporary sponges or sterile packing at the surgical site which, according to Dutton, can be uncomfortable, painful and may restrict breathing. Unlike the traditional material, which must be removed after a few days, the plasma gel is absorbed into the sinus cavity and eliminates the need for painful packing removal.
The study compared 16 patients who received platelet gel following surgery with a control group who received traditional packing material. The preliminary results found no adverse reactions to the gel. Patients who received the gel reported less pain and an easier recovery than the control group.
Most surgeries on the sinuses are conducted to relieve chronic sinusitis or to remove polyps. Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed using instrume
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Contact: Kim Waterman
Kimberly_Waterman@rush.edu
312-942-7820
Rush University Medical Center
13-Oct-2005