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Spin doctors: new innovations for centrifugal apheresis
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Summary
This review traces the historical development of plasma separation technologies, from early blood washing to advanced centrifugal and membrane filtration systems. It highlights innovations in apheresis and extracorporeal technologies, crucial for modern therapeutic medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- The preparation of plasma from blood has evolved significantly since the early 1900s.
- Advances in centrifugal and membrane filtration systems revolutionized plasma and cell separation.
- Converging chemical, physiological, and engineering progress fueled biomedical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of plasma separation technologies.
- To highlight the innovative ideas and devices that preceded modern blood and cell separators.
- To define historical events and their impact on apheresis technologies.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of scientific literature and technological advancements.
- Analysis of the evolution of plasma separation techniques.
- Examination of the impact of engineering and physiological discoveries.
Main Results:
- Early 20th-century blood washing evolved into sophisticated separation systems.
- Centrifugal and membrane filtration enabled rapid plasma, solute, and cell separation.
- Biotechnology advancements opened new eras in extracorporeal technology and therapeutic medicine.
Conclusions:
- The historical development of plasma separation technologies is rooted in interdisciplinary advances.
- Innovations in apheresis and extracorporeal technologies have significantly impacted therapeutic medicine.
- Understanding this history provides context for current and future developments in blood component separation.