Plasma Rich in Growth Factor (PRGF)
PRGF is a type of Plasma Rich Protein (PRP) that is derived by fractioning blood into its components.This revolutionary regenerative material uses a small amount of your own blood to isolate crucial plasma proteins such as: PDGF, TGF-B, EGF, VEGF, IGF-I, bFGF and HGF that accelerate healing and repair of soft tissue in surgical sites. The process is safe and effective. Since PRGF is derived from your own tissue, there is no risk of disease transmission or rejection from the donor tissue.
Why Use PRGF?
PRGF permits the body to take advantage of the normal healing pathways at a greatly accelerated rate. During the healing process, the body rushes many cells and cell-types to the wound in order to initiate the healing process. These plasma proteins perform many functions, including formation of a blood clot and release of growth factors (GF) into the wound. These GF (platelet derived growth factors PGDF, transforming growth factor beta TGF, and insulin-like growth factor ILGF) function to assist the body in repairing itself by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new tissue.
PRGF is prepared by a fractioning technique that excludes white blood cells. This allows for fast healing with less swelling and inflammation. The second ranked tennis player in the world, Rafael Nadal, has been afflicted with knee problems since his 2005 injury at the final at Wimbleton. His orthopedist, Dr. Michael Sanchez, and Dr. Eduardo Anitua, the inventor of the PRGF protocol, treated Rafael’s knees with PRGF. After his 2006 victory at the French Open, he gave a testimonial to his doctors for helping him come back. See Rafael leaving Dr. Anitua’s clinic in Vitoria: Rafa Nadal visita al Dr. Mikel Sanchez.
PRGF Benefits
- Safety: PRGF is a by-product of the patient’s own blood, therefore, there is no risk of disease transmission from donor tissue.
- Convenience: PRGF can be generated in our office immediate prior to a surgical procedure.
- Faster healing: Supersaturation of the wound with growth factors produces faster tissue regeneration.
- Ease of use: PRGF improves the application of bone substitutes and bone grafting products by making them more gel-like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is PRGF prepared?
A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge and spun down to fraction it into different components. In about 40 minutes, the PRGF product is formed and ready to use.
Is PRGF necessary in all extraction cases?
No. In some cases, there is no need for PRGF. For example,if the surgical site was small and if the patient has no plans to place an implant in the extraction site. However, PRGF is especially useful in infected sites or in sites in patients who have some type of decreased healing response such as the case with diabetics, smokers, elderly or those with immune disorders.
Will my insurance cover the costs?
Often, not. The cost of the PRGF application (approximately $500) is paid by the patient.
Are there any contraindications to PRGF?
Very few. Obviously, patients with bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases which are difficult to control in a non-hospital setting do not qualify for this in-office procedure. When in doubt, we will contact your physician to determine if PRGF is right for you.