Targeted blood purification procedures that selectively remove harmful substances — autoantibodies, immune complexes, inflammatory mediators, and toxins — from the bloodstream.
Apheresis refers to a group of extracorporeal blood purification techniques in which blood is drawn from the patient, processed through a specialized filtration or adsorption system, and returned. Each apheresis method is designed to selectively remove specific disease-causing components while preserving healthy blood elements.
At St. George Hospital, apheresis is a cornerstone of treatment for chronic Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, and inflammatory disorders. By reducing the burden of circulating pathogens, autoantibodies, and inflammatory molecules, these therapies can produce rapid and measurable clinical improvement. Research by Dr. Beate Jaeger has highlighted the role of H.E.L.P. Apheresis in addressing fibrinoid microclots and endothelial dysfunction in Post-COVID patients, further expanding the clinical applications of these procedures.
Heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation. Removes lipoproteins, fibrinogen, and inflammatory mediators from the blood.
Selective removal of immunoglobulins and autoantibodies from plasma using protein A or antigen-specific adsorption columns.
Complete replacement of the patient's plasma with donor plasma or albumin solution to remove a broad range of pathological substances.
Red blood cell exchange replaces the patient's erythrocytes with healthy donor cells, used in sickle cell disease and parasitic infections.
Two-stage plasma filtration that selectively removes large-molecular-weight proteins, including autoantibodies and immune complexes, while returning albumin.
Many chronic diseases are driven by circulating pathological substances that the body cannot clear on its own. Medications may suppress symptoms, but apheresis directly removes the causative agents from the bloodstream.
The specific type of apheresis recommended depends on your diagnosis and laboratory findings. Our physicians will determine the most appropriate method after a thorough evaluation.
Contact our medical team to discuss whether apheresis therapy may be appropriate for your condition.
