Evaluation of a new microporous filtration membrane system for therapeutic plasma exchange.

A new therapeutic plasma exchange device developed by Sarns Inc./3M was evaluated in plasmapheresis of 20 healthy volunteers and in a multicenter clinical study of therapeutic plasma exchange that included 49 patients. Safety and efficacy of plasma separation from whole blood were assessed for a module that contains Durapore microporous surfactant-free polyvinylidene fluoride membrane (Millipore Corp., Bedford, Mass., USA). The extra-corporeal volume was 80 ml. Citrate and heparin anticoagulants were utilized. Mean plasma separation efficiency was 62% with unhindered passage of plasma proteins through the membrane pores and no hemolysis or activation of complement as measured by total hemolytic complement (CH50) and C3 conversion. Mean decrease in platelet count after procedures was 10%. No severe reactions occurred, and citrate effects (13%) were comparable to values reported with centrifugal instruments. The Sarns Inc./3M Therapore device is a rapid, safe and efficient system for plasma exchange and potentially for source plasma collection. The principal benefits are small extracorporeal volume and cell-free filtrate.