Lipoprotein apheresis: well-established across Germany
Physicians regularly carry out lipoprotein apheresis in over 390 centres in Germany. In the last three decades, more than two million Lipidfiltration treatments have been carried out nationwide. Experts in extracorporeal blood purification have extensive experience and expertise. German health insurance companies reimburse lipoprotein apheresis as part of outpatient care on special application.In order to provide the best possible care for our patients, DIAMED offers two lipoprotein apheresis procedures:
- LipoClear XC is the premium option and is characterised by improved filtration performance, a higher sedimentation rate and high flexibility. The lipid filter is also free from bisphenol A.
- Lipidfiltration with the Lipidfilter EC-50 is the standard therapy here and impresses with effective reduction rates.
High performance with shorter therapy time
The consistent further development of the membrane material in combination with improved device geometry has resulted in the new XC-50 generation of Lipidfilters. The unique membrane structure enables long filter service lives and therefore also the treatment of large plasma volumes. During therapy, the XC-50 impresses with an improved pressure profile throughout the entire therapy period.
In vitro tests have shown an increase in the reduction rates of relevant lipoproteins of up to 10 % compared to a conventional filter. Especially in combination with the plasma separator Plasmaflo OP-08, the XC-50 improves efficiency in the treatment of patients with elevated lipoprotein levels.
Your benefits with LipoClear XC
A comparison with conventional doublefiltration processes shows the advantages of the new XC-50.
High biocompatibility and free from bisphenol A
The compatibility and safety of Lipidfiltration is of the utmost importance to you and your patients. As a result, a Lipidfilter that is free from the chemical bisphenol A has been designed for the new LipoClear XC procedure. This innovative solution helps to reduce any suspected adverse health effects resulting from exposure to bisphenol A.
Your benefit from biocompatible materials
- Reduction of allergic reactions and side effects
- High patient tolerability
- Increases well-being
Focus on sustainability
DIAMED is continuously developing the Lipidfiltration process and makes a valuable contribution to environmental protection through sustainable product developments.
Due to the innovative XC-50 Lipidfilter, LipoClear XC makes a positive contribution to environmental protection by eliminating the use of bisphenol A during
production. The use of a new production-optimised cartridge and a reduction in packaging material reduces the environmental impact. Synergies are also utilised in production to conserve resources.
Everyday efficiency
The new colour-coded device design significantly reduces set-up times - saving staff valuable time. Users also benefit from the automated retinate control - less device interaction required. The documentation effort is simplified by removable filter labels. The result is safe, highly efficient Lipidfiltration with significant relief for staff, which can be customised to the individual needs of each patient.
How does Lipidfiltration work?
There is over 30 years of documented experience on Lipidfiltration with DIAMED. Physicians and particular specialists in extracorporeal blood treatments make a broad use of this technique in their day-to-day clinical work. Vascular access can be achieved via peripheral punction or a shunt. In the Plasmaflo the blood is separated into a cell-rich fraction and the blood plasma. Subsequently the plasma is filtered using a second filter – the Lipidfilter. LDL-cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), but also fibrinogen and triglycerides, are selectively retained. The purified plasma is then re-combined with the cell-rich component of the blood, and this is returned to the patient. The aim is to achieve a treatment plasma volume of between 2,500 ml and 5,000 ml, depending on the weight of the patient.
When can lipid apheresis be of benefit?
LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) can be highly elevated for genetic reasons. This may lead to formation of atherosclerotic plaques and, subsequently plaque ruptures. The risk of preliminary heart attack or stroke occurring is highly increased.
In severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a strict diet combined with medications will often lead to a significant reduction of LDL cholesterol. Depending on the patient’s risk profile, this may not be sufficient. Cardiovascular diseases can still develop over time.
In patients with homozygous FH, medications alone frequently do not have the desired effect, or the effect is inadequate. As a consequence, LDL cholesterol values remain highly elevated.
Although there are a range of different medications that are effective and have been approved for reducing LDL cholesterol, there is currently no approved medication available for effectively reducing lipoprotein(a). Diet and lifestyle modification measures have no impact on blood concentrations.
Lipid apheresis may be indicated, if cardiovascular diseases continue to proceed and the lipid values remain high despite maximal therapy. Regular lipid filtration treatments can be used to significantly reduce lipid levels in the blood.
Lipidfiltration - selective - compatible - established
DIAMED Lipidfiltration has been scientifically well documented for more than 35 years. Doctors, especially specialists in extracorporeal blood purification, use the EC-50 lipid filter - DIAMED's ‘classic’ - in many clinical applications. Lipidfiltration is a selective, safe and well-tolerated treatment method for the reliable removal of lipoprotein(a) and LDL cholesterol as well as fibrinogen and triglycerides. Lipidfiltration with DIAMED's device technology is uncomplicated to set up and therefore easy to learn.How effective is lipid filtration?
The clinical efficacy of Lipidfiltration for removal of lipoprotein(a) has been investigated in one of the world’s largest prospective studies on lipid apheresis (n = 170 patients). The results, published in 2013 in the specialist journal “Circulation”, reported a 77% reduction in cardiovascular events (MACE-rate) and 90% reduction in cerebrovascular events.
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event Rate (MACE-rate)
The case numbers for Lipidfiltration were sufficient to demonstrate a significant reduction in the number of events, by 77% (n = 101 patients). The mean rate of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, occurring showed a significant fall due to Lipidfiltration (p < 0.0001).
What are the benefits offered by Lipidfiltration?
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Smart and quick treatment
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Reduction of LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) up to 75%
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Fibrinogen and triglycerides can also be effectively reduced
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Well tolerated by patients
High rates of lowering
Lipidfiltration removes 60 to 75% of LDL cholesterol (LDL) and lipoprotein(a) (lp(a), as well as effectively removing fibrinogen (Fib) and triglycerides (TG). HDL: HDL cholesterol, Alb: albumin.
What are LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a)?
LDL cholesterol functions to transport cholesterol that is synthesized in the liver via the blood to reach the different organs of the body. When there is excessive LDL cholesterol, dangerous fatty deposits can form on vessel walls. Lipoprotein(a) can be dangerous in two ways: It has the same deleterious effects as LDL cholesterol, but is also responsible for causing thrombotic events.
The figures below outline the molecular structure of LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a). Lipoprotein(a) is characterized by apolipoprotein(a) (Apo-a). A part of Apo(a) is structurally similar to plasminogen, and has proatherogenic, proinflammatory and prothrombotic effects.
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Therapy solutions for healthcare professionals
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The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only.
The information in the section ‚products & therapies‘ is intended to provide explanatory, scientific, and evidence-based answers to medical questions about therapeutic apheresis.
This information does not constitute medical advice. The responsibility for patient care rests with the healthcare professional based on their professional licensure, experience, and knowledge of the patient.