Arthrex Angel PRP

Arthrex Angel PRP

What is Arthrex Angel PRP?

The Arthrex Angel PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) system is an advanced device used to create highly concentrated PRP from a patient’s own blood. Designed to aid in regenerative medicine, the Angel system uses a three-sensor centrifuge to separate blood components and allow for precise customization of PRP concentration levels and other growth factors above baseline, optimizing it for different therapeutic applications, especially orthopedics, sports medicine, and wound healing.

Indications for Arthrex Angel PRP

Arthrex Angel PRP system is commonly used in procedures to promote healing in joints, tendons, and ligaments. It is particularly valuable for patients with injuries or degenerative conditions like arthritis, as it enhances the body's natural repair mechanisms as well as speeding up recovery.

Ideal candidates for Arthrex Angle PRP include:

• Individuals with sports injuries, such as complete or partial muscle tears, partial tendon tears, and meniscus injuries
• Individuals suffering from tendonitis, such as Achilles tendonitis, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, and jumper's knee
• Individuals with worn-out joints or degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis
• Individuals who want to delay surgical treatment
• Individuals who wish to accelerate postoperative recovery (after cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscal suturing, rotator cuff reconstruction, etc.)

Contraindications for Arthrex Angel PRP

You may not be a good candidate for Arthrex Angel PRP if you have:

• An active infection
• Unstable angina
• Cancer
• Blood disorders such as severe hypovolemia (low blood volume), anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin), and thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)

How to Prepare for the Arthrex Angel PRP Treatment?

In general, preparation for Arthrex Angel PRP treatment may involve the following steps:

• A review of your medical history, including medications or supplements you are taking, any allergies, blood work, or underlying health conditions.
• Discontinue medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, as well as supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba for about two weeks before the treatment
• Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen for about two weeks before and after the treatment
• Drink plenty of water before the procedure as good hydration ensures optimal blood volume, which can improve the quality of the PRP collected
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals as it can support your body’s healing processes

Procedure for the Arthrex Angel PRP Treatment

The Arthrex Angel PRP treatment procedure is a quick, minimally invasive process that is performed on an outpatient basis and lasts about 30 minutes. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:

• A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
• The blood is placed in the Arthrex Angel centrifuge, where it is processed to concentrate the platelets, white blood cells, and plasma. The Angel system allows for customized PRP with adjustable concentrations of white blood cells.
• Once the PRP is ready, the treatment area is sterilized, and a local anesthetic may be applied if needed to reduce discomfort.
• Ultrasound guidance is typically used to inject the PRP into the targeted area, such as an injured tendon, joint, or soft tissue. Ultrasound guidance is often used to ensure accurate placement of the PRP.

Post-Procedure Recovery

After the injection, the patient receives instructions for aftercare, which may include avoiding anti-inflammatory medications and strenuous activity to allow the PRP to work effectively. You may gradually return to normal activities as advised. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress.

Benefits of Arthrex Angel PRP Treatment

The Arthrex Angel PRP system offers several benefits, especially in the realm of regenerative medicine and orthopedics. These include:

• Accelerated healing
• Accelerated recovery
• Improved regeneration
• Reduction of pain, swelling, and inflammation
• Reduced need for surgery
• Improved quality of life

Risks of Arthrex Angel PRP Treatment

The Arthrex Angel PRP treatment is generally considered safe because it uses the patient’s own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or immune responses. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects. These include:

• Pain and discomfort
• Redness and swelling
• Possible nerve damage
• Blood clot formation
• Bruising or bleeding