Cardio FAQ's
LIPOSORBER® is an extracorporeal therapy designed for patients who have not achieved recommended therapeutic targets through diet and maximum drug therapies alone.
It is proven to acutely reduce harmful cholesterol agents, specifically:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C)
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
Who is eligible? This treatment can be prescribed to patients who are at least 5 years of age and weigh no less than 15 kg (33 lbs.)
LIPOSORBER® treatment is indicated for use in performing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) apheresis to acutely remove LDL-C from the plasma of the following high-risk patient populations for whom diet has been ineffective and maximum drug therapy has been either ineffective or not tolerated:
- Group A. Clinically diagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemic Homozygotes with LDL-C > 500 mg/dL;
- Group B. Clinically diagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemic Heterozygotes with LDL-C ≥ 300 mg/dL;
- Group C. Clinically diagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemic Heterozygotes with LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL and either documented coronary artery disease or documented peripheral artery disease; and
- Group D. Clinically diagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemic Heterozygotes with lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] ≥60 mg/dL (or 130 nmol/L) and either documented coronary artery disease or documented peripheral artery disease.
Please take our quiz or ask your doctor to confirm if you are a candidate for LIPOSORBER® treatment.
The entire LIPOSORBER® procedure is typically completed in 2–4 hours. At all times, less than a pint of your blood and plasma will be circulating through the automated machine.
The procedure steps:
- Plasma is separated from the whole blood.
- The "bad" LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) are removed from the plasma.
- The filtered plasma and blood are recombined, warmed, and returned to you.
The LIPOSORBER® system uses disposable components and an automated computer machine that controls and monitors you every step of the way.
Treatment Frequency: To maintain a lower level of Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol, patients should repeat the procedure regularly.
Condition | Treatment Frequency |
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
| Weekly* or Biweekly** |
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
| Weekly* or Biweekly** |
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
| Twice a week for 3 weeks, then once weekly for 9 weeks |
* = weekly for LDL-C levels > 300 mg/dL
** = biweekly (once every two weeks) for LDL 70 – 200 mg/dL and/or Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL (130 nmol/L)
LIPOSORBER® treatment is considered a lifelong therapy. Patients must continue their diet and cholesterol-lowering medications after starting the treatment. Patients should consult with their treating physician for a personalized procedure recommendation.
The LIPOSORBER® treatment is currently available at more than 70 specialized locations across the United States and Canada, with new facilities being added regularly to increase access.
You can easily find a LIPOSORBER® treatment center near you using our location finder tool.
LIPOSORBER® received FDA approval in 1996 and has been in worldwide use since 1986, with over 600,000 treatments performed on more than 6,000 patients.
The most common adverse events include:
- Hypotension (0.8%)
- Nausea/vomiting (0.5%)
- Flushing/blotching (0.4%)
Other documented adverse reactions include angina/chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness, and anemia.
Important Safety Note: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEI(s)] are contraindicated with LIPOSORBER due to possible bradykinin reaction. ACEI(s) should be replaced with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or any other antihypertensive agent as determined by your prescribing doctor.
For complete safety information, including adverse events and additional contraindications, please visit: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf17/H170002D.pdf
For the indicated patient population, LIPOSORBER® treatment is considered medically necessary and is covered by many insurance and managed care plans. Please consult with your insurance carrier to determine your specific coverage.