Apheresis Procedures in Our Clinics

Hemoperfusion

Hemoperfusion is used for severe inflammation, sepsis, medication overdoses, poisoning, severe kidney disease, liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, severe acute pancreatitis, and hyperlipidemia. Unlike DFPP, where plasma is passed through a fractionation filter, hemoperfusion does not separate plasma; instead, the whole blood flows through a specialized adsorption cartridge with multiple functions.

Hemoperfusion effectively removes both endogenous and exogenous molecules, including inflammatory mediators, cytokines, bilirubin, metabolic toxins, overdosed or residual medications, poisons, accumulated β2-microglobulin, excess parathyroid hormone, leptin, and other protein-bound toxins, as well as triglycerides, cholesterol in severe pancreatitis, and myoglobin.

Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP)

Selective therapeutic apheresis for the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. DFPP is a continuous circulation process. Thanks to our state-of-the-art technology, only a very small volume of blood (approximately 250 ml) is processed in the device at any time. This ensures that you do not experience a deficiency of essential blood components or an electrolyte imbalance. At the end of the treatment, you lose only about 150 ml of concentrated pathological plasma, which can be sent to a laboratory for diagnostic analysis upon request.

Because we use filters to separate plasma and red blood cells, a high blood flow is not required. Therefore, in most cases, we can use peripheral veins in the forearm, similar to an intravenous infusion.

Thanks to advanced technology, there is no risk of infection, as the blood does not come into direct contact with any device parts. It flows exclusively through sterile single-use kits and filters, which can be unpacked in front of you before the treatment begins, if desired.

DFPP Treatment Procedure:

1. For each patient, the clinic installs a sterile single-use set. The machine flushes the single-use set with saline solution to remove any air. 

2. The doctor administers an anticoagulant, such as heparin.

3. The patient is connected to the system. The machine draws the blood. 

4. The first filter separates the blood into plasma and red blood cells. The red blood cells are immediately returned to the body. The plasma is warmed and sent to the second filter, which removes antibodies, cytokines, cholesterol, pathogenic immune complexes, heavy metals, and toxins. This filter is selected based on the patient’s needs — according to the molecular weight of the substances to be removed. We offer a selection of filters targeting LDL, various types of antibodies, and other substances. 

5. The purified plasma is returned to the body along with saline solution. The contaminated plasma is collected in a bag and can be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice or treatment.