PLATELET GEL - AN AUTOLOGOUS ALTERNATIVE TO FIBRIN GLUE WITH APPLICATIONS IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

The preparation and use of platelet gel, an autologous formulation of fibrin glue, are described, The unique features of this biologic seala nt are that it is derived from autologous blood collected in the immed iate preoperative period by the anesthesiologist, it contains a high c oncentration of platelets, and it can be used in patients who are not candidates for blood bank donation, Platelet gel has been used success fully in the area of reconstructive oral and maxillofacial surgery in conjunction with ablative surgery of the maxillofacial region, mandibu lar reconstruction, surgical repair of alveolar clefts and associated oral-antral/oral-nasal fistulas, and adjunctive procedures related to the placement of osseointegrated implants.