Device Prepares Plasma for Bone Grafting

A new device is designed to be used for the safe and rapid preparation of autologus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a small sample of blood at the patient's point of care, which can be mixed with bone grafting material prior to application to the intended site.

The natural physiologic function of platelets is to release proteins that can promote cell migration and growth. Doctors take advantage of this function by using platelet rich plasma as a means to assist healing in numerous clinical applications, including bone graft procedures. Until now, PRP collection was accomplished with devices designed for other clinical applications. The new device, called SmartPReP, provides a simple way of doing this at the patient's point of care and requires only a small sample of blood. The entire process is completely automated and takes less than 15 minutes. The device has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Harvest Technologies (Plymouth, MA, USA) developed the device. "We see PRP eventually being utilized in a multitude of surgical procedures as a natural, safe autologous biologic,” said Gary Tureski, president of Harvest Technologies. Harvest's marketing partner, DePuy Orthopedic, has an option for international markets.




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