Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a medical procedure that involves removing a patient's blood plasma, which contains harmful substances, and replacing it with a substitute solution. This process helps to treat various conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.
During TPE, blood is drawn from the patient, and the plasma is separated from the blood cells using a machine called a plasma separator. The remaining blood components are then mixed with a replacement fluid, such as saline or albumin, and returned to the patient. This treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve overall health.