What to Expect from LIPOSORBER® Therapy: A Key Step in Cardiovascular Disease Management
LIPOSORBER is a lifelong therapy designed to help FH patients achieve and maintain lower LDL-C and Lp(a) levels, significantly reducing the progressive risk of severe cardiovascular disease. To maintain these lower cholesterol levels in the blood, patients should repeat the procedure regularly.
Therapy Preparation*
Proper preparation ensures a smooth and comfortable experience. The most important step you can take is ensuring you are well-hydrated:
24 hours prior to having treatment, make sure you are hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The more water you drink, the plumper your veins are. This makes it easier for the nurse to find and access your veins. Ideally, you should drink 6–8 cups of water before your treatment.
Quick Hydration Pro-Tip
Do not wait until the last minute to hydrate! Start increasing your water intake the day before your appointment. Avoid caffeine and excessive sugar on the morning of your treatment, as these can be dehydrating. Hydration is the simplest way to ensure a comfortable venipuncture and efficient LIPOSORBER treatment session.
What to avoid prior to treatment:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Fatty Foods
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.
What you may want to bring to treatment:
- Book
- Tablet/phone
- Headphones
- List of current medications
*Therapy preparation may vary by patient. Please consult with your doctor.
Therapy Frequency
The entire procedure takes approximately 2-4 hours to perform, depending on the patients plasma volume. At any given time (on average), only about 400 ml (less than 1 pint) of your blood (170ml) and plasma (230ml) are circulating outside the body. Providers have found that most patients report a comfortable experience during the treatment, but individual experiences may vary
Once Per Week
Individuals with an LDL cholesterol level starting at 300mg/dl or higher will benefit from treatment once every week.
Once Every Two Weeks
Individuals with LDL-cholesterol levels starting at 200 mg/dl or lower after diet and maximum tolerable drug therapy will benefit from treatment once every two weeks.
LIPOSORBER® Treatment Overview
Blood is withdrawn: Blood is taken from one arm and pumped through the LIPOSORBER system where it is thinned.
Blood is thinned: Anticoagulation, or blood thinning, is necessary for all treatments in which blood is removed. Heparin is used to prevent the blood from clotting.
LDL-C, Lp(a) & VLDL is removed: Plasma passes through the LIPOSORBER system, which selectively removes the bad cholesterol (LDL-C), Lp(a) and VLDL from the blood.
Blood is returned to body: Plasma is recombined with the blood cells and warmed, then returned to the patient.
*process may vary by patient