ABSTRACT
Plasma separation using a membrane is clinically used as plasmapheresis therapy, such as plasma exchange (PE), double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), or plasma adsorption (PA) modalities. Plasma separation is performed either by centrifugation or by filtration, which involves a permeable hollow fiber membrane. A plasma separator with a hollow fiber membrane was first developed in Japan in the 1980s. It has been used for more than 30 years with continuous technical modifications. Treatment with a membrane-type plasma separator is a safe and well-established modality for many drug-resistant and/or refractory diseases. Currently, national health insurance covers plasmapheresis for â¼30 diseases in Japan. Membrane-type plasma separators are used not only in Japan but also in many other countries. Plasmapheresis treatments with a membrane-type plasma separator are an important alternative for patients with drug-resistant and/or refractory diseases at present and in the near future.
Subject(s)
Plasma/metabolism , Plasmapheresis/methods , Adsorption , HumansABSTRACT
In recent years, polyethylene and polysulfone membranes have been used for plasma separation in Japan. The polyethylene membrane, manufactured by melt spinning method, has a sponge-like symmetric structure. The plasma separator Plasmaflo OP (Asahi Medical, Tokyo, Japan) with a polyethylene membrane shows excellent performance and safety for plasma separation. More than 20 indications for therapeutic plasmapheresis are reimbursed in Japan. Future development is expected in new membrane designs for new indications or advanced plasmapheresis methodologies.
