The treatment of osteochondral defects using biological methods has been an integral part of the clinical therapy procedures within the Genolier Group since 2003. Since then, globally established clinical procedures such as ACT (autologous chondrocyte transplantation) and AMIC (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis) have been successfully used at the Clinique de Montchoisi, the Clinique de Genolier and the Bethanien Private Clinic. Newer regenerative procedures developed within the last 8 years are presented below.

Background:

Despite the wide choice of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a life-threatening complication after cardiac surgery worldwide.

Objective:

This study investigated whether the effect of, platelet rich plasma (PRP) applied to the sternotomy wound could reduce both superficial and deep wound infections.

Methods and materials:

Between January 2007 and January 2012, 1093 consecutive cardiac surgery patients underwent median sternotomy. The patients were divided into two groups. Group B, the study group, included those who had PRP applied before closure of the sternotomy wound. Group A, the control group, included patients who received a median sternotomy without the application of PRP. Antibiotic prophylaxis remained unchanged throughout the study and between the two groups.

Results:

The incidence of DSWI (deep wound infections) was significantly higher in group A than in group B [10 of 671 (1-5%) versus 1 of 422 (0-20%), P =0-043]. Superficial sternal wound infections (SSWIs) were also significantly higher in group A than in group B [19 of 671 (2-8%) versus 2 of 422 (0-5%), P =0-006].

Conclusion:

The use of PRP can significantly reduce the incidence of DSWI and SSWI in cardiac surgery.