In Vitro and in Vivo studies of the Effects of Cold Argon Plasma on Decreasing the Coagulation Time

Introduction Cold plasma is a self-sterilized, painless, and non-contact method in surgeries. These properties allow it to be applied to the living tissues and heat-sensitive parts. The aim of this study was to design a new cold plasma producer device and evaluate the effects of cold argon plasma on decreasing the coagulation time of blood drop in vitro and that of the injured liver blood in vivo. Materials and Methods In an experimental study, two blood drops of a normal healthy human were placed on a glass slide. The experimental sample was irradiated by plasma until the complete coagulation occurred, while the control sample remained intact. The complete coagulation time was then measured for both samples. In another part of our study, 20 rats were divided into two experimental and control groups and anesthetized for experimentation. Livers of the rats in the control group were incised and the bleeding time was measured until complete coagulation. Livers of the experimental rats were irradiated by plasma after being incised, and the complete coagulation time was measured. Results Cold plasma treatment increased the speed of blood coagulation in both blood drop in vitro and the injured liver blood.in vivo. Histopathological examinations revealed that plasma treatment caused no significant tissue damages as compared with the control group. Conclusion The use of argon plasma coagulation device at the time of surgery, in addition to accelerating blood coagulation, caused no injury and burning on tissues. Plasma increases the platelets activation, fibroblasts proliferation and  fibrin production. the mechanism of action is likely mediated by exogenous nitric oxide.