title: Plasma separator Plasmaflo OP.
abstract: In recent years, polyethylene and polysulfone membranes have been used for plasma separation in Japan. The polyethylene membrane, manufactured by melt spinning method, has a sponge-like symmetric structure. The plasma separator Plasmaflo OP (Asahi Medical, Tokyo, Japan) with a polyethylene membrane shows excellent performance and safety for plasma separation. More than 20 indications for therapeutic plasmapheresis are reimbursed in Japan. Future development is expected in new membrane designs for new indications or advanced plasmapheresis methodologies.
authors.affiliation: Development and Scientific Affairs Department, Asahi Medical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan. hirata.nb@om.asahi-kasei.co.jp
authors.forename: Noriko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hirata
authors.forename: Yasumasa
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shizume
authors.forename: Jun-ichi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shirokaze
authors.forename: Junsuke
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Suemitsu
authors.forename: Hajime
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Naokuni
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yamawaki
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008851:Micropore Filters; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011095:Polyethylenes; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011095:Polyethylenes