Apheresis, a medical procedure introduced in 1972 by American medical technologist Herb Cullis, involves the filtration of a patient’s blood through a specialized machine. This machine separates a specific component of the blood, while returning the remaining portion back to the body. Apheresis serves multiple purposes, including the collection of specific components from donor blood and the removal of disease-causing elements. It is also effective in treating various medical conditions such as leukostasis, hyperviscosity syndrome, myasthemia gravis, elevated platelet levels in leukemia, and familial hypercholesterolemia. This procedure encompasses several different types of apheresis, catering to both donors and patients.
LDL Apheresis
LDL apheresis is a medical procedure designed for individuals who have excessively high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol that have not been effectively managed through diet, exercise, and medication. The primary aim of LDL apheresis is to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the body. This procedure involves the use of a machine that separates blood cells from plasma. Specialized filters are then used to remove the LDL cholesterol from the plasma, after which the filtered blood is returned to the body. A single session of LDL apheresis can effectively eliminate approximately 60-70% of the bad cholesterol from the individual’s bloodstream.
RBC Exchange: Improving Oxygen Transportation in the Body
Red blood cells (RBCs) play a crucial role in carrying oxygen throughout the body. However, in certain diseases like sickle cell disease or infections such as malaria, these vital cells become infected or abnormal, resulting in a reduced ability to effectively transport oxygen. That’s when RBC exchange comes into play, a procedure where infected or abnormal red blood cells are replaced with healthy ones obtained from donors. Typically, a single RBC exchange treatment is sufficient to enhance the condition of individuals with complications from sickle cell disease or specific infections. However, periodic treatments may be necessary for some patients to prevent potential future complications.