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Deep sternal wound infections (DSWIs) continue to be one
of the most devastating and potentially life-threatening complications
after cardiac surgery. Although most patients are
treated surgically, there is high rate of recurrent infection
or flap-related complications and mortality. 1 Lately, nonsurgical
methods, such as vacuum-assisted closure (VAC),
injection of activated macrophages, or both, have shown
promising results. 2,3
Platelet gel (PG) contains concentrated levels of plateletsecreted
growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor and
vascular endothelial growth factor) and other substances
that have the potential to accelerate wound healing, epithelialization,
and granulation tissue formation. 4 Autologous PG
has been used in the treatment of various wound infections,
although not sternal wounds. 2 We present a case using allogeneic
PG to facilitate wound closure.
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