Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange, is a medical procedure that involves separating plasma, the liquid portion of blood, from other blood components. While plasmapheresis is commonly performed on healthy individuals during plasma donation, therapeutic plasmapheresis serves a different purpose – it aims to eliminate harmful substances from the bloodstream. To achieve this, large volumes of plasma are extracted from the patient, which is then replaced with donated plasma.
Understanding the Significance of Plasma
Plasma, the liquid component of blood, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall bodily functions. Comprising approximately 55 percent of the total blood volume, plasma consists of salts, proteins, and water that are absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Its multifaceted functionality encompasses vital tasks such as promoting clotting, eliminating waste products, regulating body temperature, and balancing acid-base levels. Furthermore, plasma acts as a defense mechanism against harmful bacteria and viruses, facilitates the transportation of essential nutrients, and carries oxygen throughout the body. When considering the eligibility of a patient for plasmapheresis, physicians carefully evaluate these various factors.
The Plasmapheresis Procedure
Plasmapheresis, also known as plasma exchange, is a medical procedure that involves the removal and replacement of plasma from the blood. It is carried out using two large-bore IV catheters.
During the procedure, blood is withdrawn from the patient’s body through one of the catheters. The blood is then circulated through a machine that separates the plasma from the other components. The patient’s plasma is collected and discarded.
Simultaneously, the second catheter returns the remaining components of the blood back into the patient’s circulation. To maintain the balance, a replacement plasma is introduced into the patient’s bloodstream. This replacement can be in the form of an albumin solution or donor plasma.
Overall, plasmapheresis is a process that involves the removal of the patient’s plasma, separation of its components, and replacement with a suitable substitute. This procedure is commonly used in various medical conditions to address specific therapeutic needs.