The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique of harvesting and preparing autologous platelet gel and autologous fibrin glue (body glue) and to evaluate their effectiveness in stopping capillary bleeding in the surgical flaps of patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. A convenience sample of 20 patients ranging from 25 to 76 years of age undergoing cosmetic surgery involving the creation of a surgical flap were included in the study. The types of surgical procedures included face lifts, breast augmentations, breast reductions, and neck lifts. Platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma were prepared during the procedure from autologous blood using a compact, tabletop, automated autologous platelet concentrate system (SmartPReP, Harvest Autologous Hemobiologics, Norwell, Mass.). The platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma were combined with a thrombin-calcium chloride solution to produce autologous fibrin glue and autologous platelet gel, respectively. Capillary bed bleeding was present in all cases and effectively sealed within 3 minutes following the application of platelet gel and fibrin glue. The technique for making the solution and for evaluating its effectiveness in achieving and maintaining hemostasis during cosmetic surgical procedures is described. Autologous platelet gel and fibrin glue prepared by the automated concentrate system are compared with autotransfusor-prepared platelet gel and Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corp.), a commercially prepared fibrin sealant preparation.

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1. Because of the subtleness of the progressin of Alzheimer's disease, caregivers found themselves gradually allocating increased amounts of time and energy to the care of their loved ones. 2. All of the relatives mentioned the need to share the experience either formally with support groups for caregivers, or informally with relatives and friends. 3. Nurses' support of caregivers may prevent them from viewing their loved one as an object and prevent some of the prevailing guilt expressed by participants in this study.

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: 1. Accurately assess clinical presentation of foreign bodies in skin wounds. 2. Demonstrate use of diagnostic tests and injury management.