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First experience with a ready-for-use rheohemapheresis system.
T Schreiner1, S Rink, R Brunner
1Deutsches Hämapherese Zentrum, Cologne, Germany. med@dhzcologne.de
Summary
A new rheohemapheresis system effectively improves microcirculation by filtering plasma, showing significant reductions in total protein, fibrinogen, and cholesterol with no major side effects observed in patients. Further protocol refinements are ongoing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Rheohemapheresis is a therapeutic apheresis technique utilized to enhance microcirculatory function in various medical conditions.
- Traditional methods involve plasma separation and secondary filtration, with recent advancements focusing on integrated systems.
Framework:
- A novel CE-marked continuous flow blood separator (dideco Excel Pro) integrates a cell separator with a secondary hollow-fiber membrane filter.
- The system features a connection kit and software enabling differential filtration as a standard protocol.
Implementation:
- The new system was employed using ethylenevinylalcohol secondary filters (Evaflux LA4 or LA5) in 47 patients undergoing 99 procedures.
- A median of 2.7 liters of plasma was processed per procedure, lasting a median of 109 minutes.
Implications:
- Treatment resulted in significant reductions in peripheral blood levels of total protein, fibrinogen, and cholesterol.
- A median 30% platelet loss was observed, with varying platelet concentrations in the separated plasma.
- The system demonstrates readiness for clinical use, though protocol optimization is still necessary.