Autologous blood products like blood plasma have created a growing interest for use in a number of orthopedic therapies. The healing effects of plasma are supported by growth factors released by platelets.The ACP (Autologous Conditioned Plasma) Double Syringe System is used for sterile separation of nonhomogenous liquids. This device will allow the withdraw of blood from the human body using a commercially available cannula with LuerLock connection.
Examples for Indication
Acute
• Tendon rupture or tear e.g. achilles tendon, rotator cuff
• Ligament rupture or tear e.g. cruciate ligament, ankle ligaments
• Muscle tear
• Meniscal lesion
Chronic
• Osteoarthritis, cartilage lesion
• Tendinopathy e.g. Achilles tendon, elbow
• Tendon irritation e.g. Patellar tendon
• Plantar fasciitis irritation
• Subacromial syndrome
Features and Benefits
• Two in one – unique system for the preparation of Autologous Conditioned Plasma
• ACP preparation with the Arthrex ACP Double Syringe can be performed within minutes.
• The ACP System can be used in a clinic or under sterile conditions in an OR setting, as the whole preparation process takes place in a closed system.
• The Double Syringe design allows for easy, convenient and safe handling.
Mechanism of ACP
Using the described method with the Arthrex ACP Double Syringe to prepare blood, the plasma contains an increased plateled concentration of about 2 to 3 times. Outside the bloodstream, platelets become activated and release proteins for example growth factors. These growth factors are known to be relevant for healing in a variety of tissue types and they appear to work synergistically.
Major effects of growth factors
• Induce proliferation and differentiation of various cell types (e.g. osteoblasts, chondroblasts)
• Enhance production of matrix (e.g. collagen, proteoglycan production)
• Stimulate angiogenesis and chemotaxis
As described in several studies the white blood cells are not concentrated using the ACP Double Syringe and the described spin regime. The supernatant should not contain red blood cells. The addition of ACP significantly increased the cell proliferation of muscle, tendon and bone cells.
Moreover the positive effect
of ACP on cartilage lesion has been demonstrated in an animal model and in a clinical study. A case series showed statistically significant improvements with ACP for chronic Achilles tendinopathy in terms of pain, activities of daily living, sports activities and quality of life. Another case series showed a statistically significant reduction of pain with ACP for chronic plantar fasciitis.