LIPOSORBER Treatment: What to Expect for FSGS Therapy
LIPOSORBER is an innovative, nonsurgical therapy designed to help alleviate symptoms of FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis), a type of kidney disease. It works by removing harmful substances like low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood, a process that can significantly improve a patient’s response to standard medications such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine. LIPOSORBER is currently the only FDA-approved Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) specifically for the treatment of patients with nephrotic syndrome associated with primary FSGS.
Preparing for Your LIPOSORBER Therapy Session
Proper preparation ensures a smooth and effective LIPOSORBER treatment session. Always consult with your treating healthcare provider about your specific preparation instructions, as these may vary.
Hydration and Comfort
- Hydrate Well: Starting 24 hours before treatment, ensure you are drinking plenty of water—ideally 6–8 cups. Good hydration “plumps” your veins, making it much easier for the nurse to find and access them for the procedure.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. A short-sleeve shirt is highly recommended to give the nurse easy access to your arm vein for treatment.
- Before You Begin: Use the bathroom immediately before the process begins so you can relax without interruption during the session.
What to avoid prior to treatment:
To ensure the best possible outcome, patients are generally advised to limit or avoid the following items:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Fatty Foods
Duration and Comfort During Treatment
You can eat and drink during the treatment of LIPOSORBER. It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothes to stay comfortable. Wearing short-sleeve shirts make it easier for the nurse to access your vein for treatment. Use the bathroom before the process begins to avoid having to go during treatment. You may bring the following for extra comfort:
- A book or e-reader
- Tablet or phone
- Headphones
- A current list of your medications
The entire procedure takes approximately 2-4 hours to perform. The amount of time depends on your plasma volume. Most patients report a comfortable experience during their treatment.
*Patients should consult with their treating healthcare provider about therapy preparations as these may vary.
Standard LIPOSORBER Treatment Schedule
The standard treatment schedule for a primary FSGS patient is:
- Phase 1: Twice (2x) a week for the first 3 weeks.
- Phase 2: Followed by once (1x) a week for the next 6 weeks.
This totals 12 treatment sessions over 9 weeks. You can expect to feel slightly tired on the day of treatment, but many patients feel noticeably better the day after.
Patients should consult with their treating healthcare provider, as the full treatment duration and schedule may vary based on individual response and condition.
LIPOSORBER® Treatment Overview
Blood is withdrawn: Blood is taken from one arm and pumped through the LIPOSORBER system
where it is thinned.
Anticoagulation: Heparin (a blood-thinning agent) is automatically added to prevent the blood from clotting during the process.
Harmful Substances Removed: The patient’s plasma passes through the system, which selectively captures and removes the harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), VLDL, and Lp(a) particles associated with kidney disease.
Clean Blood Returned: The cleaned plasma is then recombined with the blood cells, warmed, and returned safely to the patient’s body via the other arm.
*process may vary by patient
Ready to discuss LIPOSORBER?
Talk to your doctor about this FSGS treatment option, or contact us for an informational brochure.