New Service - Apheresis

Clearing the blood to support life saving care.

We now offer this new service privately in our London clinic. Apheresis is a treatment that selectively removes harmful substances linked to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease and long COVID.

Call now: 020 3355 3536

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What is Apheresis?

Apheresis is a medical treatment where blood is passed through a filtration system to remove specific disease-related components such as inflammatory proteins, autoantibodies and harmful lipids. The cleaned blood is then returned safely to the  patient. It is a precise, low-risk procedure that can be repeated safely and comfortably in an outpatient setting.

Different forms of apheresis exist depending on the condition being treated, each tailored to selectively remove components of the blood. Apheresis is a treatment to consider for people who are regaining their cognitive clarity after chemotherapy treatment, some people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and those with post-viral conditions such as long covid.

We currently offer apheresis to patients with:

  • Long Covid / Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome
  • Neurodegenerative Conditions (e.g., early-stage Alzheimer’s disease)
  • Lipid Disorders (e.g., Elevated Lipoprotein(a), Familial Hypercholesterolemia)

 

 

What is Double Filtration Plasmapheresis?

At Re:Cognition Health, we offer Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP) — a next-generation plasma treatment.

  • In the first step, blood is separated into plasma and blood cells.
  • In the second step, the plasma passes through a fine filter that removes harmful proteins, lipids, and antibodies.
  • The cleaned plasma and the blood cells are returned to the body.

Unlike older methods that removed and replaced your plasma with artificial fluids, DFPP keeps your own plasma, cleans it, and returns it to your body, reducing side effects, avoiding major fluid changes, and allowing more blood to be treated safely.

Each patient’s treatment plan is individually tailored, with session frequency and filter selection adjusted accordingly. We base this on clinical goals, how you respond to treatment, and your tolerance to it.

The benefits of apheresis

Apheresis is not a cure in the traditional sense, it does not remove the underlying genetic or immunological cause of disease. However, it may offer life-changing benefits, especially when used as part of a well-managed treatment plan.

Depending on your diagnosis, apheresis may lead to:

  • Relief of symptoms such as fatigue, pain, or brain fog
  • Improved physical and cognitive function
  • Better overall quality of life

In lipid disorders, a reduction in major cardiac events (such as heart attack or stroke) by up to 80% or more,   based on long-term clinical studies.

While results vary by individual, in some cases the impact is so significant that it can feel like a functional cure, transforming a high-risk, debilitating illness into something manageable.

As a treatment option Apheresis also allows for:

  • Tailored treatment protocols to optimise patient outcomes
  • Outpatient procedures with minimal recovery time
  • Applications across conditions: cognitive, cardiovascular, and post-viral disorders

What to expect

WHERE do I begin?

Apheresis is a specialist procedure and forms part of a wider treatment pathway. To begin:

Specialist Consultation: You must first be assessed by a Consultant with expertise in your condition (e.g., post-viral illness, neurology, cardiology). They will ensure that all relevant investigations have been completed and that apheresis is appropriate as part of your care.

Apheresis Review: If appropriate, you will then meet with an Apheresis Consultant who will explain the treatment in detail, assess your vascular access, and organise pre-treatment blood tests and a physical examination. These are required both for safety and to tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Consent: Once you are satisfied and all your questions are answered, you will be asked to sign a formal consent form prior to treatment.

What happens during treatment?

A treatment session typically lasts 1.5 to 3 hours. Here’s what to expect:

Needle Insertion Two needles are placed into veins on your arms — one to draw blood and one to return it. These are larger than those used in standard blood tests but are well tolerated in patients with suitable veins. A numbing cream is provided to ease the  sensation of needle placement.

Double Filtration Process First, your blood is separated into plasma and blood cells. Then, the plasma passes through a second filter, specifically selected based on your condition, to remove targeted disease-related components. Finally, your filtered plasma and blood cells are safely returned to your body.

During the Session You will be seated in a relaxed outpatient environment. Many patients read, watch something on a device, or listen to music.

Aftercare You are encouraged to arrange for a friend or family member to collect you after your session. It is common to feel tired for a few hours to a day after treatment. This usually resolves with rest and a good night’s sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us today to find out more

If you would like to learn more about apheresis, and understand if its a treatment you might benefit from, get in touch with us today to find out more.

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