What is Plasmapheresis?
Currently, plasmapheresis has been utilized within many different medical centers and universities such as Mayo Clinic. This treatment was created for body detoxification and rehabilitation through cleansing of the blood and has been found to aid in lessening varying symptoms like migraines, inflammation, joint pain, weight gain, etc., which also allows quicker recovery of the body and significant improvement of quality of life.
The blood is made up of cellular elements and fluid (also known as plasma). Plasma contains water as a base and many different substances such as: proteins, clotting factors, lipids particles (like cholesterol), glucose, electrolytes (magnesium, calcium, etc.), antibodies, antigens and their complexes, etc. Plasma also contains excretory products and toxins.
During plasmapheresis treatment, a special machine removes from whole blood a certain part of plasma together with known and lesser-known substances and toxins. Then taken plasma is to be substituted by the equal volume of normal saline to replenish the blood and to create an osmosis gradient so the tissue will unload undesirable substances.
After the procedure, the body quickly creates new, fresh plasma with no toxins and other undesirable components. The basic premise of plasmapheresis is that removal of these substances will reduce further damage to the body, and in many cases, permits reversal of the pathogenic process.
Plasmapheresis Procedure
Plasmapheresis procedure in our office is accomplished with an Apheresis machine that uses a centrifuge to separate plasma from blood cellular components using sterile disposable tubing set and needle. Specially trained medical staff operate the Apheresis machine and monitor your condition throughout the procedure. The Apheresis machine separates and removes ~500cc (1/2 liter) of plasma from the blood and replenishes it with a normal saline. This procedure has to be repeated for a minimum of three times to have a significant cleansing effect. The procedures can occur consecutively or every other day within the same week. Further treatment varies based on the severity of illness and patient needs.
What Has Plasmapheresis Shown to Treat?
Plasmapheresis helps to treat: Infertility, Multiple Sclerosis, PCOS, Reyes Syndrome, Endometriosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Lupus, Myasthenia Gravis, Paraproteinemic polyneuropathies, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and others. Plasmapheresis improves overall quality of life. If you want information on whether this treatment could help your condition, please make an appointment.
Potential Side Effects
Plasmapheresis is a safe procedure, but side effects can occur. You may have discomfort at the needle site. There may be occasional, nonspecific sensations. It is important to notify the medical staff immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.