• What is autologous platelet gel (APG)?

Everyone's blood is made of the same elemental components: red blood cells (RBCs), clotting factors, platelets, and plasma - the fluid in which the other components are transported throughout the body. Each component has its role; RBCs carry oxygen, clotting factors help us to stop bleeding and platelets help us heal faster. At an injury site, platelets begin the healing process by releasing special proteins, called growth factors, into the wound. Stimulated by these growth factors, cells begin to divide and multiply while, simultaneously, new blood vessels forge their way into the site. These new vessels will carry vital nutrients and oxygen to nourish the growing bone. Autologous platelet gel (APG) is a coagulum formed when a platelet-rich concentrate is encouraged to "gel" by the addition of a clotting agent, such as thrombin.

• How is (APG) made and used?

First, at the point of treatment, whole blood is removed from the patient in a method similar to a normal blood specimen collection. Next, the platelet concentrate, or PC, is separated from the other components by centrifugation, and placed in the sterile field. The doctor then mixes the bone graft material with the PC and activates it. Suspended in the resultant gel is a rich supply of activated growth factors and bone graft material. As well as accelerating natural regeneration mechanisms, APG also serves to bind the bone graft particles together, making it easier to place into the operative site. Finally, the site can be covered with another protective layer of APG.