Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a less-invasive surgical alternative which is growing in popularity. PRP offers patients and physicians benefits which traditional surgery cannot match, and an expanding body of clinical data demonstrates that outcomes can be just as, if not more, effective when compared to traditional open surgery for certain indications.

The Benefits of PRP

Tissue healing can vary based on access to critical growth factors (GF) contained within platelets. Platelets secrete GFs and active metabolites that can be isolated and clinically applied in situations requiring rapid healing and tissue regeneration. Growth factors released from platelets include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor -beta (TGF-B), platelet-derived epidermal growth factor (PDEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived angiogenesis factor (PDAF), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). These growth factors contribute to stem-cell recruitment, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix production and remodeling. In vitro studies demonstrate PRP to stimulate proliferation of osteoblasts, fibroblasts, tendon cells, chondrocytes, and bone mesenchymal stem cells.

PulseVet's ProTec^TM PRP Technology

The ProTec^TM PRP platform is a proprietary technology that offers unique benefits. Basic science studies have shown that the ProTec^TM system encapsulates intact, non-activiated platelets with a dense, cross-linked fibrin matrix. The process produces a platelet population that is shown by flow cytology methods to be essentially homogeneous and non-activiated. The platelets have been shown to remain viable over a seven-day period, delivering growth factors, in correct ratios, to the wound site in a sustained manner. Given the short half life of growth factors (several minutes to hours), the succesful utilization of these growth factors in biologics requires that the platelets be non-activiated at the time of delivery. ProTec's PRP system possesses a full compliment of growth factors, each of which has an impact on the healing process at different stages.

Key Benefits of the ProTec^TM system:

• Seven key growth factor groups: PDGF-A&B, TGF-b, EGF, IGF I&II, VEGF, bFGF and ECGF
• Steady release of autologous GFs (≥ 7 days)
• Fibrin scaffold for cell migration
• No red or white blood cell contamination
• Platelets and growth factors preserved; no exogenous thrombin required
• Sterile, closed system
• Portable centrifuge for use in the field
• Safe, easy to use, minimal blood required, cost effective

Other Types of PRP Systems

High Concentrate Centrifuge (with Leukocytes)

Like the ProTec^TM system, these technologies offer a more consistent process. However, with this method, a large amount of blood is required. The system is more complex and expensive, and both red and white blood cell contamination exists.

Other Moderate Concentrate Centrifuge

PRP utilizing this principle requires a smaller blood draw and is a more simple and complex process, like ProTec's. However, the process is more variable and both red and white blood cell contamination is likely.

Filter Bag

This type of device requires the most amount of blood and given the nature of the filtration process, results in both red and white cell contamination. The process is complex, expensive and highly variable.