PUR-FORM is excited to announce we now have Plasmapheresis, or what we call Therapeutic Illumi-Pheresis (Plasmapheresis + PhotoBioModulation). This new approach represents an innovative frontier in modern medicine. This groundbreaking treatment combines established Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) methodologies with the enhanced benefits of PhotoBioModulation. The integrated approach aims to purify, rejuvenate, and enhance blood circulation and overall well-being through a dual-action mechanism that addresses physical contaminants and cellular energy processes. While each of these modalities are effective stand-alone treatments, their combination offers a unique pathway to improved health and wellness.
Understanding the Core Mechanisms
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) forms the cornerstone of Illumi-Pheresis treatment. During this procedure, the patient’s blood undergoes a carefully controlled extracorporeal process:
- Blood Extraction: Blood is drawn from the patient via venous access, utilizing only one IV line.
- Separation Process: An apheresis machine separates the blood into its constituent components through centrifugation.
- Plasma Removal: A portion of the plasma component—containing potentially harmful substances—is isolated and removed.
- Replacement: The removed plasma is replaced with substitute solutions, including albumin, to maintain appropriate blood volume and composition.
The physical separation and removal process effectively eliminates numerous pathogenic or harmful substances from circulation, including:
- Autoantibodies: Self-targeting antibodies implicated in autoimmune disorders
- Immune Complexes: Aggregates of antigens and antibodies that can deposit in tissues
- Excessive Proteins: Including paraproteins and monoclonal antibodies
- Inflammatory Mediators: Cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules
- Metabolic Toxins: Accumulated waste products that may impair organ function
- Exogenous Toxins: Environmental or ingested substances with harmful effects
The mechanical centrifugation component of Illumi-Pheresis builds on decades of clinical experience with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange. TPE has established efficacy in treating conditions ranging from Guillain-Barré syndrome to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Beyond treating specific conditions, TPE has become increasingly popular in longevity medicine, with healthy individuals using it to maintain and extend their health span. TPE remains the only effective treatment for removing these harmful agents from the bloodstream.
PhotoBioModulation: The Innovation
What distinguishes Illumi-Pheresis from conventional TPE is the integration of PhotoBioModulation—a process where blood is exposed to specific wavelengths of light during its extracorporeal journey. This exposure occurs through specialized chambers within the apheresis circuit containing calibrated light-emitting apparatus. The treatment utilizes the pulsed Hemealumen machine, which allows for parameter adjustments to target specific conditions. The selection of light wavelengths is crucial to treatment effectiveness.
The Hemealumen typically employs specific wavelength ranges that have demonstrated biological activity:
- Red Light (630-670 nm): Penetrates cells and tissue to stimulate mitochondrial activity
- Near-Infrared (810-850 nm): Offers deeper penetration, enhances cellular energy production, and prevents damage to blood cells outside the body
- Blue Light (405-450 nm): May provide antimicrobial effects and modulate inflammatory responses
- Green Light (520-560 nm): Can influence cellular signaling pathways with specific effects on vascular tissue
- UVA Light (320-400 nm): At controlled doses, potentially modulates immune cell function
- UVC Light (200-280 nm): Used in some systems for its potent germicidal effects, though with careful control to prevent cellular damage
These wavelengths interact with cellular chromophores–molecules that absorb light–particularly cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, triggering a cascade of biochemical effects:
- Enhanced ATP Production: Increasing cellular energy availability
- Nitric Oxide Release: Promoting vasodilation and improved microcirculation
- Reactive Oxygen Species Modulation: Triggering cellular signaling pathways
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Increased Blood Cell Membrane Fluidity: Potentially improving rheological (flowing) properties
- Effects on Viruses: Assisting in diminishing viral loads in the body
Clinical Applications and Potential Benefits of Therapeutic Illumi-Pheresis
Autoimmune Disorders
Illumi-Pheresis shows exceptional promise for autoimmune conditions, whereas conventional Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) already demonstrates significant efficacy. The added PhotoBioModulation component may enhance treatment outcomes through multiple mechanisms:
- Antibody Removal: Physical elimination of pathogenic autoantibodies
- Immune Modulation: Potential recalibration of immune response patterns
- Reduced Inflammation: Combined effects of removing inflammatory mediators and light-induced anti-inflammatory signaling
- Enhanced Tissue Repair: Accelerated healing of affected tissues through improved cellular energetics
Conditions potentially responsive to this innovative approach include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Cardiovascular Applications
The dual-action mechanism of Illumi-Pheresis offers several potential benefits for cardiovascular health:
- Rheological Improvements: Enhanced blood flow properties through plasma replacement and cellular membrane modifications
- Endothelial Function: Potential improvement through nitric oxide release and inflammatory reduction
- Lipid Profile Optimization: Temporary decrease in circulating lipoproteins, particularly in hyperlipidemic states
- Reduced Oxidative Stress: Combined effects of removing oxidized molecules and stimulating antioxidant responses
- Plaque Stabilization: Potential modulation of inflammatory processes within atherosclerotic lesions
These mechanisms suggest potential applications in:
- Severe hyperlipidemia refractory to conventional treatment
- Atherosclerotic disease with inflammatory components
- Microcirculatory disorders
- Selected cases of hypertension with identified inflammatory markers
Neurological Conditions
The blood-brain barrier presents challenges for many therapeutic approaches, but Illumi-Pheresis may offer distinct advantages through:
- Removal of Neurotoxic Substances: Including autoantibodies targeting neural components
- Reduced Systemic Inflammation: Decreasing inflammatory signals that can cross the blood-brain barrier
- Enhanced Neural Energy Metabolism: Potentially improving neuronal function through better circulatory support
- Neuroprotection: Combined effects of reduced inflammatory damage and improved cellular energetics
Potential neurological applications extend to:
- Neurodegenerative disorders with inflammatory components
- Autoimmune neurological conditions
- Selected cases of treatment-resistant epilepsy
- Cerebrovascular disorders
Metabolic Disorders
For patients with metabolic dysfunction, Illumi-Pheresis offers a unique therapeutic approach through:
- Temporary Toxin Reduction: Removing accumulated metabolic waste products
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Potential enhancement through reduced inflammation and improved cellular energetics
- Enhanced Cellular Metabolism: Supporting mitochondrial function through PhotoBioModulation
- Reduced Oxidative Stress: Combined effects on free radical scavenging and antioxidant stimulation
These mechanisms suggest potential benefit in:
- Selected cases of metabolic syndrome
- Diabetic complications with microvascular involvement
- States of metabolic toxicity
- Conditions with mitochondrial dysfunction
Aging-Related Applications
The multifaceted nature of Illumi-Pheresis addresses several hallmarks of cellular aging:
- Reduced Chronic Inflammation: Addressing “inflammaging” through systematic inflammatory mediator removal
- Enhanced Mitochondrial Function: Supporting cellular energy production, often compromised with age
- Improved Microcirculation: Enhancing nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues
- Decreased Oxidative Damage: Removing oxidized molecules and supporting antioxidant mechanisms
- Optimized Cellular Signaling: Potentially restoring more youthful patterns of intercellular communication
While not positioned as an anti-aging treatment per se, these mechanisms suggest potential supportive applications in age-related conditions with identifiable inflammatory or metabolic components.
The Procedure: What Patients Can Expect
A typical Illumi-Pheresis session proceeds through several distinct phases:
Preparation Phase
- Medical Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation to determine suitability and identify contraindications
- Laboratory Tests: Baseline blood counts, coagulation parameters, and occasionally metabolic panels
- Vascular Access: Establishment of appropriate venous access, typically through peripheral veins or occasionally central venous catheters
- Hydration Status: Ensuring optimal hydration to facilitate the procedure
Treatment Phase
- Initial Blood Withdrawal: Controlled extraction into the apheresis circuit
- Separation Process: Automated separation of cellular components from plasma
- Plasma Removal: Extraction of the plasma fraction containing target substances
- Photobiomodulation Exposure: Controlled light exposure of blood components within the Hemealumen’s specialized chambers
- Replacement Administration: Introduction of replacement fluids, typically albumin solutions with various beneficial compounds
- Continuous Monitoring: Surveillance of vital signs, fluid balance, and potential reactions
Post-Treatment Phase
- Observation Period: Typically 30-40 minutes to monitor for immediate reactions
- Follow-up Assessment: Evaluation of treatment response and potential adjustments
- Interval Determination: Establishing appropriate timing for subsequent sessions, if indicated
A complete treatment course may involve single or multiple sessions, depending on the addressed condition and individual response patterns.
Safety Considerations and Potential Adverse Effects
As with any advanced medical procedure, Illumi-Pheresis carries potential risks that require careful management:
Procedure-Related Considerations
- Vascular Access Complications: Including infection, thrombosis, or mechanical injury
- Hemodynamic Effects: Potential blood pressure fluctuations during fluid shifts
- Citrate-Related Symptoms: Hypocalcemia depending upon anticoagulant use, resulting in tingling, muscle cramps, or cardiac effects
- Volume Status Changes: Requiring careful monitoring and adjustment
- Allergic Reactions: Although unlikely, may occur in response to replacement solutions or device components
Patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are advised to stop taking the medication for at least 24 hours before starting plasmapheresis.
Contraindications
Active systemic infection presents a particular concern, while absolute or relative contraindications may include:
- Severe Hemodynamic Instability: Limiting tolerance for extracorporeal circulation
- Uncontrolled Bleeding Disorders: Increasing procedural risks
- Fluid Shifts: Potential complications in vulnerable patients
- Certain Photosensitizing Medications: Creating the potential for adverse reactions
Combination Therapy
We are enthusiastic about a protocol that combines the Illumi-Pheresis procedure with EBO2. This comprehensive protocol is performed over several days. Each component of the protocol offers distinct strengths, and when combined, provides a safe and unique therapeutic approach that can address a multitude of medical conditions. An article detailing the EBO2/Illumi-Pheresis combination is readily available for those seeking more information.
Future Directions and Research Frontiers
Therapeutic Illumi-Pheresis stands at the intersection of several advancing fields, with numerous avenues for development. Some of the ideas we are actively working on include:
Technological Refinements
- Wavelength Optimization: Identifying ideal light parameters for specific conditions
- Targeted Photosensitizers: Potential addition of compounds that enhance the light sensitivity of specific cell types or pathogens
Clinical Applications Expansion
- Condition-Specific Protocols: Tailoring parameters to particular disease states
- Combination Approaches: Integration with pharmacological or other therapeutic modalities
- Preventive Applications: Exploring potential in high-risk populations before overt disease
- Personalized Medicine Integration: Utilizing genetic and biomarker data to guide treatment decisions
Therapeutic Illumi-Pheresis represents a fascinating convergence of established and emerging medical technologies. Combining the mechanical separation capabilities of therapeutic plasma exchange with the biomodulatory potential of controlled light exposure offers a unique paradigm for addressing general health. Only a handful of locations worldwide offer this technique, which has been developed and fine-tuned here at PUR-FORM.
While substantial evidence supports the individual components of this therapy, its integrated application continues to evolve. The promising framework and preliminary observations suggest potential applications across a spectrum of conditions characterized by inflammatory, autoimmune, metabolic, and age-related processes, and, importantly, improvement in health span. Therapeutic Illumi-Pheresis will help to change the landscape of medicine in a very positive manner.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and other regulatory agencies
-Dr. P
