Mechanical trauma effect on clot structure formation.

The exposure of platelet rich plasma to graded mechanical trauma for times of five minutes is shown to have marked effects on clot structure formation. The mechanical strength of the clot formed can be a factor of five weaker, the initiation time shortened and the initial polymerization rate increased by a factor of two. Mechanical trauma can also cause the formation of platelet aggregates, which may be important in thromboembolic phenomena associated with extended use of blood contacting prosthetic devices.