Patent ID: 6849183
Filing Date: 2005-02-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of carrying out therapeutic apheresis comprising: securing a triple lumen catheter having a filter device on the proximal end thereof in a blood vessel of a patient, said filter device capable of separating plasma from whole blood in-vivo at pressures and flow rates therein; separating plasma from whole blood in-vivo and directing the separated plasma through a first lumen of said triple lumen catheter to a therapeutic apheresis selective component removal apparatus; carrying out therapeutic apheresis by separating and removing and/or neutralizing selected disease-related components comprising toxins, antibodies, proteins, bacteria, viruses, and/or combinations of two or more thereof from the plasma, returning treated plasma to the patient via a second lumen of said triple lumen catheter; and selectively periodically backflushing said filter device via a third lumen of said triple lumen catheter.