[Plasma exchange therapy (plasmapheresis/plasma filtration). I. Technic].

With the help of an extensive study of literature as well as of own experiences the technical aspects of the plasma exchange therapy are described. Issuing from their hitherto existing course of the development and corresponding to their present significance the essential signs of the nowadays usual modifications (plasmapheresis by means of sedimentation in transfusion containers or by means of blood cell separator as well as plasma filtration) are explained. The discussion of problems of anticoagulation, the kind and quantity of substitution solutions as well as of developmental tendencies to more specific separation techniques leads over to the survey of essential indication areas (part II).