What is Lipoprotein Apheresis?
Lipoprotein Apheresis is an extra-corporeal treatment, where the blood is taken outside the body, akin to renal dialysis.
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A DALI machine
The treatment is used to lower heart disease causing ‘bad’ cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein (a) and triglycerides) efficiently and safely.
Most patients who have this treatment have familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). FH affects 1 in 500 individuals, and affected individuals are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease. The vast majority of individuals with FH are adequately treated with tablet medication, but for a small number of patients with aggressive disease, lipoprotein apheresis is an appropriate and effective intervention.
The diagrams below represent the 2 most commonly used apheresis techniques in the Cardiff lipid unit. HELP apheresis is also available.
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ALI Whole Blood Apheresis |
Kaneka Plasma Apheresis |
The Unit currently treats 18 patients from South Wales and the West of England. Patients are usually referred by their local lipid clinic for an initial assessment at University Hospital Llandough with the clinical team.