Targeted removal of LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) beyond what medications alone can achieve.
Contact Us to Learn MoreLipid apheresis is a specialized procedure that selectively removes LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) — or Lp(a) — from the blood. For patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, dangerously elevated Lp(a), or cardiovascular risk that cannot be adequately managed with statins and other medications alone, lipid apheresis offers a powerful therapeutic option.
Unlike therapeutic plasma exchange, which replaces the entire plasma volume, lipid apheresis uses selective adsorption technology to target and remove specific lipid particles while returning the remainder of the plasma to the patient. This allows for highly targeted cholesterol reduction in a single session.
Global Apheresis is developing a lipid apheresis program that will bring this advanced treatment to patients in the Bay Area and beyond. Contact us to learn more and be the first to know when this service becomes available.
In addition, lipid apheresis has shown promise in the treatment of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) — a kidney disease driven in part by circulating permeability factors. By removing these pathogenic molecules, lipid apheresis may help reduce proteinuria and slow disease progression.
Patients with genetic conditions causing extremely elevated LDL that is resistant to maximum-dose statin therapy.
Lp(a) is a genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor with no FDA-approved medication. Lipid apheresis is the only established method to significantly reduce Lp(a) levels.
Patients who cannot tolerate statin medications due to side effects but require aggressive LDL reduction for cardiovascular risk management.
Patients with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) driven by circulating permeability factors. Lipid apheresis may reduce proteinuria and slow disease progression.
The evidence base for lipoprotein apheresis across familial hypercholesterolemia, elevated Lp(a), peripheral arterial disease, and steroid-resistant FSGS is reviewed by Nadim and Akgun of the University of Miami. It appears in the theme issue of Transfusion and Apheresis Science guest-edited by our own Dr. Dobri Kiprov and Dr. Allen Green.
Lipoprotein apheresis: From familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a) to emerging roles in peripheral arterial and renal disease
Nadim M, Akgun Y. Transfus Apher Sci. 2026;65(4):104483.
Contact us to learn more about this upcoming treatment and be the first to know when it becomes available.
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