restore health with IV therapy
restore health with IV therapy

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) in Seattle

Total Blood Recalibration

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Welcome to Village Medicine

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: A Cellular Clean Slate.

 

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a clinically advanced treatment that revitalizes your body from the inside out. By filtering out harmful, age-promoting substances from your plasma and replacing them with inflammation free albumin, TPE helps optimize your body’s biological performance and promote long-term vitality.
With precision technology and medical expertise guiding every step, this innovative therapy offers a powerful, preventative approach to whole-body rejuvenation. Welcome to the science of timeless aging.

At Village Medicine, you’ll find a Therapeutic Plasma Exchange specialist in Seattle who will partner with you to support you through comprehensive testing, holistic care, and ongoing support.

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Conditions Which May Be Helped With TPE

  • Chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies* IgG/IgA/IgM related
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)
  • Cryoglobulinemia ( Severe/symptomatic )
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia Homozygotes/heterozygotes (or high lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a))
  • Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (Recurrence in kidney transplant )
  • Hyperviscosity in hypergammaglobulinemia
  • Symptomatic Prophylaxis for rituxima
  • Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis (Acute attack/relapse)
  • Myasthenia gravis Acute, short-term treatment Long-term treatment I
  • Myeloma cast nephropathy
  • Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) (Acute attack/relapse)
  • N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis
  • Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders condition PANDAS/PANS, exacerbation
  • Phytanic acid storage disease
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Severe
  • Thrombotic microangiopathy, complement mediated
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Factor H autoantibody
  • Thrombotic microangiopathy, drug associated
  • Wilson’s Disease

Why See Our TPE Specialist?

 

As we grow older, our bodies accumulate inflammatory molecules, toxic proteins, and cellular waste—factors that drive chronic illness, cognitive decline, and metabolic dysfunction. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange helps reverse this process by removing these harmful elements, rebalancing the internal environment, and activating the body’s innate ability to repair and regenerate.

While Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a powerful tool for proactive age management and longevity, it also plays a vital role in advanced treatment protocols for complex medical conditions. TPE is commonly used to manage autoimmune diseases—disorders where the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues by producing harmful autoantibodies. These disease-driving proteins circulate in the plasma, and TPE works by filtering them out, helping to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and restore immune balance.

“The fundamental principle of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is that by removing pathogenic substances from the plasma, the body can function with renewed efficiency—proven beneficial across a spectrum of age-related and inflammatory conditions.”
— Dr. Robert Weinstein, Transfusion and Apheresis Science

TPE

What to Expect

The TPE Process

During this therapy, small amounts of blood are gradually removed through an inserted needle or central line catheter and circulated through a machine that separates blood into red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma. The plasma portion of the blood is removed and replaced by a plasma substitute and then added back to the cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets) and finally returned by intravenous or central venous catheter access. The removed plasma is discarded. One procedure typically removes 65% to 70% of the disease-causing proteins (antibodies) in the plasma. Typically, several procedures are needed to lead to clinical improvement. Plasma exchange is a safe procedure with a few possible side effects.

Before TPE

Prior to a procedure, we recommend that patients drink large amounts of noncarbonated, nonalcoholic beverages for a couple of days. We also recommend eating a meal prior to the scheduled procedure.

During TPE

If intravenous catheters (IVs) are placed, patients’ arms will be propped on pillows, and they will be asked to squeeze their fist to help promote blood flow. Patients may experience bruising or discomfort where the IVs are placed. If a larger catheter or port is used instead, patients will have free use of their arms during the procedure.
The procedure typically lasts two to three hours but can be shorter or longer depending on a variety of factors.
After starting the procedure, patients may experience some mild numbness, tingling, light-headedness, or nausea. An apheresis staff member who specializes in the procedure will be with the patient during the entire treatment. Most patients rest with one of our therapy dogs or watch a movie.

After TPE

After the procedure is completed, patients may feel tired for the rest of the day. We recommend drinking plenty of liquids after the procedure. We also recommend that patients have a family member or friend give them a ride home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with TPE at Village Medicine Seattle?
All patients interested in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) begin with a personalized consultation with Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, MD, MPH, RYT. During this visit, Dr. Kourosh carefully reviews your medical history, current health status, and goals—whether you’re managing a chronic condition or seeking to optimize longevity. Based on this comprehensive assessment, she designs a tailored TPE treatment plan to suit your individual needs.
Once your plan is established, you’ll be referred to one of our highly trained TPE physicians at Village Medicine, who will oversee your treatment sessions and follow-up care. Dr. Kourosh remains available for ongoing consultations should your care needs evolve.
What are the costs associated with TPE?

At Village Medicine, we are committed to making Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) as accessible and affordable as possible. While we continue to explore every avenue to secure full insurance coverage for the procedure, we have not yet been able to achieve complete reimbursement through insurance—despite strong support and efforts from our team and collaborators. Call us to inquire more about cost.

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