Deep sternal wound infection and bleeding are devastating complications following cardiac surgery, which may be reduced by topical application of autologous platelet gel. Systematic review identified seven comparative studies involving 4,692 patients. Meta-analysis showed significant reductions in all sternal wound infections (odds ratio 3.48 [1.08-11.23], p=0.04) and mediastinitis (odds ratio 2.69 [1.20-6.06], p=0.02) but not bleeding. No adverse events relating to the use of topical platelet-rich plasma were reported. The use of autologous platelet gel in cardiac surgery appears to provide significant reductions in serious sternal wound infections, and its use is unlikely to be associated with significant risk.