Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is the umbrella term for extracorporeal procedures that separate plasma from cellular blood components; technique varies, with plasma either fractionated or filtered and partially returned, or wholly removed and replaced as in TPE. It is established for autoimmune and hyperviscosity disorders, where its dominant mechanism is removal of pathogenic plasma factors such as antibodies, immune complexes, and inflammatory mediators. In longevity contexts it is proposed to dilute pro-aging plasma factors, but evidence for healthy-aging benefit is preliminary.