At various diseases in the blood there are toxic substances, inflammatory elements, cells of viruses and other pathological structures. To remove them, plasmapheresis is used - the pros and cons of using this method are constantly discussed in the medical community. Some scientists insist on the uselessness of this technology, while other doctors give strong arguments in favor of its effectiveness.
The main methods of conducting plasmapheresis are filtration (membrane) and gravitational (manual, centrifugation).
Pros and cons of membrane plasmapheresis
This technique of performing the procedure assumes continuous filtration of blood in special devices - plasma filters. Through the catheter, installed in 1 or 2 veins of the patient, blood is taken. It is run through membrane filters that trap plasma with toxins and other pathological cells. Purified blood mass is mixed with isotonic solution and immediately returns back to the bloodstream. The filtered plasma is collected in a separate polyethylene bag and is removed.
Advantages of membrane plasmapheresis:
- security;
- maintenance of physiologically normal work of the heart during the whole session;
- speed (the procedure lasts about an hour);
- absence of unpleasant sensations;
- Use only isotonic solution (biocompatible) and own human blood.
There are no significant deficiencies in properly performed plasmapheresis. In rare cases, the patient may experience dizziness, slight numbness of the limbs , weakness or nausea. These symptoms quickly disappear on their own.
Pros and cons of manual plasmapheresis and centrifugation
The gravitational method of the procedure involves the collection of blood, which is purified by sedimentation in vials with anticoagulants (manual plasmapheresis) or centrifugation in a refrigerator.
The only advantage of this technology is the effect similar to the membrane method. And the disadvantages of gravitational plasmapheresis are much greater:
- the procedure takes a long time;
- it is impossible to immediately clean a large volume of plasma;
- after blood sampling it is necessary to introduce artificial blood substitutes or donor drugs;
- requires many sessions.
It is important to note that the pros and cons of any variant of plasmapheresis must first be discussed with the doctor. This is a serious medical procedure performed in the presence of clear indications, and not just a method of purifying the blood .