Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma in thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Allogenic blood transfusion can transmit viral infection or cause immunological side effects. Recently, improved operative techniques have required less frequent transfusions in thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery. This study examined the efficacy of using autologous platelet-rich plasma in thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery.
METHOD: Eight patients underwent nine operations using an autologous platelet-rich plasma program. The control group consisted of 15 historic patients matched for operative procedure and age. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. The platelet-rich plasma program required the collection of platelet-rich plasma prior to the infusion of heparin; platelet-rich plasma transfusions were administered following neutralization by heparin.
RESULTS: The volume of platelet-rich plasma averaged 252 +/- 14.3 ml; total platelets in the platelet-rich plasma were 2.27 +/- 0.20 x 10(11) cells. The median number of homologous red blood cells transfused during the operative day was 0 units (range 0 to 12) in the platelet-rich plasma group and 3 units (range 0 to 25) in the controls. The median number of homologous fresh frozen plasma was 0 units (range 0 to 20) in the platelet-rich plasma group, and 5 units (range 0 to 30) in the controls. The platelet-rich plasma group received significantly fewer transfusions.
CONCLUSION: Autologous platelet-rich plasma transfusion was an effective way to reduce homologous blood transfusions in thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery.