Treatment process

Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP, Double Filtration Apheresis):

1. For each patient the clinic installs a sterile single-use set. There is no contact between the machine and the blood; the blood goes only through the sterile set.
2. The machine washes the single-use set with saline to remove air.
3. The doctor administers anticoagulant such as heparine.
4. The patient is connected to the system. The machine takes the blood.
5. The first filter separates the blood into plasma and red blood cells. Red blood cells are immediately returned to the body. Plasma is heated and sent to the second filter, which removes antibodies, cytokines, cholesterol, pathogenic immune complexes, heavy metals, and toxins. This filter is selected based on patient needs, ie based on the molecular weight of substances to be removed.
6. Clean plasma is returned to the body with saline. Dirty plasma is collected in a bag and can be sent to a laboratory for testing.

We offer a choice of filters manufactured by Medica S.p.A.: three types of filters target LDL, different types of antibodies, and other substances.

Because the patient loses a very small volume of plasma, no donor plasma is required. DFPP can be performed in an ambulatory setting. Albumin level should be checked before the procedure, electrolytes should be checked before and during the procedure.

DFPP is indicated for patients with various diseases across multiple medical specialties: