deLipidapheresis vs. DFPP
A comparison of two forms of apheresis – what distinguishes them, what connects them?
Modern blood purification procedures, so-called apheresis, are becoming increasingly important – both in the treatment of chronic diseases and in individual prevention. For many years, VitaSangius has been using the double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) as a form of therapeutic apheresis has been used successfully for many years. We are often asked what the difference is to classic lipid apheresis.
In this article, we explain the similarities and differences between the two procedures – in a neutral, medically sound and at the same time easy to understand way for interested patients.
What is apheresis?
Apheresis is an extracorporeal blood purification procedure in which certain pathogenic or harmful components are specifically removed from the blood. The aim is to restore the body’s internal balance (“microenvironment”), regulate inflammation and relieve and specifically modulate the immune system. There are different procedures – adapted to the respective indication and objective.
Two central procedures are:
- Lipid apheresis – a specialized form of apheresis to remove blood lipids (also known as lipoprotein apheresis )
- Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) – a broadly effective apheresis for removing a wide range of pathological substances, more information here.
Lipid apheresis: targeted therapy for lipid metabolism disorders
Lipid apheresis is primarily used when lipid metabolism cannot be adequately controlled with medication – e.g. in the case of
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
- Hyperlipoproteinemia(a)
- Advanced atherosclerosis despite therapy
- High cardiovascular risk
In lipoprotein apheresis, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) and triglycerides are specifically removed from the blood plasma. These substances can lead to long-term vascular damage and cardiovascular disease. The therapy is approved as a health insurance benefit in Germany if clear indication criteria are met.
A frequent topic in practice is questions about “lipidapheresis side effects ” – especially with long-term use. These mainly include a possible drop in blood pressure during treatment, occasional tiredness or circulatory problems. Overall, however, the method is considered to be well tolerated.
The question “At what age should lipid apheresis be performed?” is also often asked. As a rule, it is indicated from adolescence – usually for genetic lipometabolic disorders with a proven risk.
Is lipid apheresis necessary for life?
In certain cases, yes – e.g. in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia, if sufficient control cannot be achieved with medication. Lipoprotein apheresis may then be necessary for life to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The aim of lipid apheresis:
A significant reduction in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes – through targeted elimination of blood lipids.
Double filtration plasmapheresis: a broader approach for complex clinical pictures
In contrast to focused lipid apheresis, the therapeutic double filtration plasmapheresis used at VitaSangius pursues the following objectives double filtration plasmapheresis used at VitaSangius takes a more holistic approach. In this form of apheresis, the plasma is filtered in two steps:
- First filter: separation of the plasma from the rest of the blood
- Second filter: Separation of the plasma into undesired macromolecules (e.g. autoantibodies, cytokines, inflammatory mediators) and desired components, which are then returned to the body
The following can be removeda.:
- Autoantibodies (e.g. in Hashimoto’s, rheumatism, MS)
- Immune complexes (e.g. in lupus erythematosus)
- Inflammatory mediators and cytokines (e.g. TNF-alpha, interleukins)
- Heavy metals and toxins (e.g. mercury, aluminum, pesticides)
- Oxidized LDL particles and blood lipids
- Microplastic components (theoretically plausible – research is ongoing)
Therapeutic DFPP is used for chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, long Covid, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), neurodegenerative processes, toxic stress and in prophylactic longevity medicine.
Common basis – different objectives
Both procedures are based on the same technical foundation: a closed extracorporeal circuit with cell-sparing treatment. Nevertheless, they differ significantly:
| Characteristic | Lipidapheresis | Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) |
| Target substances | LDL, Lp(a), triglycerides | Broad spectrum: autoantibodies, toxins, cytokines, heavy metals |
| Main indication | Fat metabolism disorders | Chronic inflammatory, toxic or autoimmune diseases |
| Use for Long Covid | No | Yes, established |
| Number of accompanying substances removed | limited to fats | high (10+ groups depending on indication) |
| Application in prevention | hardly | frequent (e.g. for immune optimization, anti-aging) |
| Replacement medication necessary? | No | No |
When is which form of apheresis appropriate?
Lipid apheresis is useful if there is a purely lipid-related indication – e.g. in the case of proven familial hypercholesterolemia with treatment failure.
Especially in young patients (topic: “Lipidapheresis from what age”), early therapy is often crucial for the prevention of serious secondary diseases.
Double filtration plasmapheresis is indicated when:
- there are complex symptoms that are due to immune or inflammatory processes
- there is heavy metal exposure or an unclear chronic condition
- there are systemic symptoms after infections (e.g. Covid-19)
- conventional medical treatments are not sufficiently effective
Patient example: Long Covid after harmless infection
A 42-year-old man, previously athletic and active, developed persistent fatigue, brain fog and circulatory problems following a mild coronavirus infection. Despite unremarkable findings, no causal therapy could be established.
An individual diagnosis at VitaSangius revealed clear immunological imbalances and toxic stress.
After two sessions of therapeutic VitaSangius apheresis the patient reported a significant improvement in his performance, better sleep and a return to everyday life.
A modern procedure with multiple possibilities
Double filtration plasmapheresis makes this possible:
- Precise detoxification with high tolerability
- Systemic regulation of inflammation without immunosuppression
- A strengthening of mitochondrial processes through relief
- Restoring the cellular balance in multisystem diseases
Treatment is carried out under close supervision and individual support.
VitaSangius: individual blood purification instead of standard procedures
At VitaSangius, we do not follow a one-size-fits-all treatment approach. Each person has their own history, stress situation and objectives – and we tailor the therapy to these.
Our apheresis is not only used to alleviate symptoms, but often also to treat the causes where other procedures reach their limits.
Conclusion: lipid apheresis or classic apheresis (DFPP)?
Both procedures make medical sense – depending on the objective. If you want to lower blood lipids in a targeted manner, lipid apheresis is a good choice.
If you want to treat or prevent complex complaints, immune problems or toxic stress, double filtration plasmapheresis is a comprehensive option – individually planned and medically supervised.
Questions about “lifelong lipid apheresis” are justified – the answer depends on the individual risk profile.
If you want to treat or prevent complex complaints, immune problems or toxic stress, double filtration plasmapheresis is a comprehensive option – individually planned and medically supervised.
Do you have questions about which procedure is right for you?
Our team will be happy to advise you – medically sound and with a human touch.
Contact us now for a no-obligation initial consultation.
VitaSangius – Rethinking medicine.
www.vitasangius.de/medizinische-leistungen/apherese
