PLASMAPHERESIS DEVICE

摘要

A plasmapheresis device includes a column or other flow mechanism in which plasma flows following separation of the plasma from cellular components like blood cells, platelets and the like. The column includes a moiety, such as an antibody, which selectively binds to galectin-3. By removing galectin-3 from the blood stream of a mammal by at least 10%, improvements in the treatment of inflammation, suppression of the formation of fibroses, and a variety of cancer treatments can be effected or improved. The device provides for multiple columns to remove a variety of elements but includes one which selectively removes galectin-3 from the blood flow. Other agents may be added to the plasma before recombination with the cellular components of the blood, and before returning the recombined flow to the patient.

主权项

1. A device for performing plasmapheresis, comprising:
a first conduit through which blood drawn from a mammalian patient travels under the influence of a pump; a separator for separating cellular components of said blood from plasma; a column device through which said plasma flows, which said column device selectively removes galectin-3 (gal-3) from said plasma to provide treated plasma; a second conduit which receives said treated plasma following passage in said column device and wherein said treated plasma is combined with blood cells separated in said separator prior to return to said patient; wherein said first and second conduits provide for substantially continuous flow of said blood and plasma from said patient and return to said mammalian patient.