Introduction

Deep and superficial wound infections following cardiovascular surgery significantly increase morbidity, mortality, and healing costs. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, prepared from the patient's own blood, is a treatment method used to accelerate wound healing in other surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of PRP therapy on standard wound healing in all patients undergoing sternotomy for cardiac surgery procedures.

Method
Over a 7-year period, 2000 patients requiring open heart surgery were evaluated. One thousand patients were allowed to heal using the standard sternal closure method. The other 1000 patients underwent sternal closure along with PRP application to the surgical site. Results were evaluated in terms of wound healing status, infection, wound re-treatment, and medical expenses.

Results
In 2000 patients, particularly in the PRP group, greater ventricular benefit was observed in cardiac devices, heart transplants, and emergency operations; otherwise, no significant changes were detected. It was observed that PRP use reduced deep wound infections from 2% to 0.6%, superficial wound infections from 8% to 2%, and re-wound treatment cases from 4% to 0.8%. Furthermore, PRP use reduced healing costs for deep and superficial wound infections from $1,256,960 to $593,791.

Conclusion
In conclusion, PRP use has significantly reduced sternal wound complications and related costs associated with cardiovascular surgery. Regular PRP application for sternotomy patients in cardiovascular surgery is of great importance.