Blood Filtration

Plasmapheresis

Advanced blood filtration to remove harmful antibodies and restore immune balance.

Plasmapheresis (also known as therapeutic plasma exchange) is a medical procedure that filters the patient's blood, separating plasma from blood cells and removing pathogenic antibodies, immune complexes, and inflammatory mediators. At ARDIG, this procedure is performed exclusively at our facility in Lima, Peru, under the supervision of specialized physicians.

Book a Consultation Am I a Candidate?

How ARDIG Applies Plasmapheresis

Our Lima-based team follows a rigorous clinical protocol designed to maximize safety and therapeutic benefit.

Evaluation & Preparation

Before starting, our physicians review the patient's complete medical history, lab results, and current medications. Pre-procedure bloodwork confirms the patient is ready for safe plasma exchange. Vascular access is established, typically through a peripheral or central venous catheter.

The Procedure

Blood is drawn through the catheter and passes through a specialized machine that separates plasma from blood cells. The harmful plasma is removed and replaced with albumin solution or donor plasma. Each session lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours, during which the patient is continuously monitored by our medical team.

Treatment Protocol

The number and frequency of sessions depend on the condition being treated and the patient's response. Typically, a course consists of 3 to 5 sessions over 1 to 2 weeks. This procedure is available exclusively at our Lima, Peru location.

Am I a Candidate?

Plasmapheresis may be recommended for patients whose conditions involve harmful antibodies or immune system dysregulation. Our physicians evaluate each case individually.

  • Diagnosed with an autoimmune or neuroinflammatory condition such as MS, PANS/PANDAS, or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Experiencing acute flare-ups or rapid symptom progression that may benefit from antibody removal
  • Condition has not responded adequately to first-line immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies
  • Able to travel to Lima, Peru, where this procedure is exclusively performed

Important Note

Not every patient qualifies. Patients with severe coagulation disorders, active systemic infections, or hemodynamic instability may not be suitable candidates. Our team will provide a transparent assessment.

Get Evaluated

What to Expect

From your first consultation to ongoing follow-up, here is what the ARDIG journey looks like.

1

Free Consultation

Schedule a no-obligation call with one of our physicians to discuss your condition and treatment options.

2

Medical Evaluation

Our medical team reviews your records and determines if you are a candidate for our programs.

3

Schedule & Treatment

After medical evaluation and approval, choose your preferred treatment date and travel to one of our facilities for your scheduled treatment program.

4

Ongoing Care

After returning home, your ARDIG physician monitors your progress through scheduled telehealth appointments.

Risks & Limitations

Transparency is a core ARDIG value. We believe every patient deserves to understand both the potential benefits and the limitations of any treatment.

General Risks

Plasmapheresis is generally well-tolerated but carries potential risks including hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions to replacement fluids, electrolyte imbalances, and temporary tingling or numbness from citrate anticoagulant. Infection at the catheter site is possible but minimized through strict sterile protocols.

Current Limitations

Plasmapheresis provides temporary removal of harmful antibodies, but the body may regenerate them. It is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include immunotherapy, stem cell therapy, or other immunomodulatory approaches. Results are not permanent and repeated courses may be needed.

Results vary by patient. Regenerative medicine is an evolving field and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Consult with our physicians for a realistic assessment.

Related Conditions

This therapy is used within ARDIG's treatment programs for the following conditions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
PANS/PANDAS
Multiple Sclerosis
Autoimmune Conditions

FAQ

Plasmapheresis is a blood filtration procedure that separates your blood into its cellular components and plasma. The plasma, which contains the harmful antibodies and inflammatory factors, is removed and replaced with clean albumin solution or donor plasma. Your blood cells are then returned to your body. Think of it as a deep cleaning for your bloodstream.

A typical course involves 3 to 5 sessions spread over 1 to 2 weeks. The exact number depends on your condition, the severity of symptoms, and your clinical response. Your physician will design a personalized schedule.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during catheter placement. The procedure itself is generally painless. Some patients may feel lightheaded, experience tingling in the lips or fingers (due to citrate), or feel cold during the session. Our team manages all of these symptoms in real time.

Plasmapheresis requires specialized apheresis equipment, a trained nursing team experienced in extracorporeal therapies, and a clinical setting equipped for hemodynamic monitoring. Our Lima facility has the infrastructure, team, and regulatory framework to perform this procedure safely and effectively.

Yes. In many cases, plasmapheresis is used as part of a multimodal protocol alongside stem cell therapy or immunotherapy. By first removing harmful antibodies, subsequent regenerative treatments may have a better environment to work in. Your physician will determine the optimal sequencing.

The duration of benefit varies. Because the body can regenerate antibodies, the cleansing effect may be temporary if the underlying immune dysfunction is not addressed. That is why ARDIG typically integrates plasmapheresis with other therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

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