VINCENT SURGICAL ARTS + VINCENT LONGEVITY INSTITUTE
THERAPEUTIC PLASMA EXCHANGE (TPE)
A Physician-Directed Approach to Plasma Renewal, Circulating Burden & Precision Longevity Medicine
REMOVE. REPLENISH. RECOVER. OPTIMIZE.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, also known as TPE, is an advanced medical procedure that removes a portion of a patient’s plasma and replaces it with a carefully selected replacement fluid, typically medical-grade albumin.
Plasma is much more than the liquid portion of blood. It serves as a transport system for thousands of circulating molecules – including proteins, antibodies, inflammatory mediators, lipoproteins, metabolic byproducts and environmental compounds.
Treatment Time
2-3 Hours
Private Outpatient Setting
Terumo Spectra Optia System
Albumin Replacement
Individualized Support
EBOO Ozone Therapy
The Vincent TPE Experience
At Vincent Surgical Arts and the Vincent Longevity Institute, Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is performed under physician-directed medical supervision using the advanced Terumo Spectra Optia System as part of an individualized treatment strategy.
Our team also includes a certified nurse trained in ultrasound-guided intravenous access, helping support precise, efficient and comfortable vascular access for patients who may have challenging veins or require specialized access planning.
Our approach goes beyond plasma exchange itself. We have developed a comprehensive TPE experience designed around plasma exchange, nutritional support, recovery, relaxation and whole-body optimization
ACCESS
Certified nurse support with ultrasound-guided intravenous access when clinically appropriate
EXCHANGE
Terumo Spectra Optia Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
REPLENISH
Targeted intravenous nutritional support
RECOVER
Glutathione and individualized recovery support
RESTORE
Celluma red light therapy, facial and scalp massage
REJUVENATE
HydraFacial, microneedling and selected medical-aesthetic treatments
What is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a procedure that separates your blood, removes a portion of the plasma, and replaces it with a carefully selected replacement fluid, typically albumin. Your blood cells are returned to you, in a continuous, closed-loop process.
PATIENT
PLASMA
SEPARATION
(TPE)
PLASMA
REMOVAL &
REPLACEMENT
RETURN
TO PATIENT
SUBTRACTIVE MEDICINE
Instead of asking only, What can we add? TPE allows physicians to also ask: What circulating factors may be beneficial to remove or reduce?
What can Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Remove?
TPE is designed to reduce a range of potentially unwanted circulating factors from the plasma, which may support a healthier internal environment and more favorable biology.
Autoantibodies
Removing circulating antibodies is one of the traditional medical applications of TPE.
Immunoglobulins & Immune Complexes
Certain immune proteins and circulating immune complexes can contribute to pathological immune activation.
Inflammatory Mediators
Plasma carries cytokines, chemokines and other signaling molecules involved in systemic inflammatory pathways.
Abnormal or Disease-Associated Proteins
TPE has long been used when circulating proteins contribute directly to disease.
Lipoprotein-Associated Factors
Certain lipoproteins and lipid-associated inflammatory factors may be reduced during plasma removal.
Environmental Compounds
Researchers are increasingly investigating whether plasma-based therapies can reduce circulating environmental contaminants.
Microplastics
An emerging area of research involves microplastic particles circulating in human blood.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
2026 Microplastics Reasearch
a 2026 clinical study found measurable reductions in circulating microplastics following TPE, supporting plasma exchange’s potential role in environmental detoxification.
Why Plasma Has Become an Important Target in Longevity Research
Plasma is more than a transport fluid, it reflects a dynamic, circulating environment that influences how we age and respond to disease. Research continues to show that plasma contains a wide range of biologically active factors, including:
- Inflammatory signaling molecules
- Metabolic signals
- Immune mediators
- Hormones and growth factors
- Lipoproteins and antibodies
- Extracellular proteins
- Environmental compounds
- Cellular communication molecules
Neurodegenerative Research
The Alzheimer's Management by Albumin Replacement Study
The Alzheimer’s Management by Albumin Replacement (AMBAR) Study has reported encouraging results suggesting that plasma exchange with albumin replacement may have an inflence on the course and rate of disease. This is an important and evolving area of research.
Established Medicine + Emerging Longevity Science
TPE is an established, guideline-supported therapy for select serious medical conditions, and an active area of research in longevity and health span applications.
Established Applications
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease
- Hyperviscosity syndromes
- Selected autoimmune neurological diseases
- Selected transplant-related disorders
- Certain toxin and poisoning exposures
- Selected forms of acute liver failure
Emerging Applications
- Biological aging
- Chronic inflammation
- Neurodegeneration
- Environmental exposure
- Microplastics
- Cardiometabolic health
- Circulating age-associated factors
Beyond TPE: The Vincent Plasma Exchange Protocol
REMOVE. REPLENISH. RECOVER. OPTIMIZE.
Remove
TPE physically removes a prescribed portion of circulating plasma using the Terumo Spectra Optia System. The removed plasma may contain inflammatory mediators, antibodies, immune complexes, metabolic byproducts, environmental compounds and other circulating substances
REPLENISH
Plasma exchange is non-selective. Beneficial plasma components can also be removed. Our physician-directed program may incorporate a targeted intravenous nutrient formula designed to support hydration, electrolyte balance, antioxidant defenses and normal metabolic pathways following treatment.
RECOVER
Following treatment, patients may receive intravenous glutathione as part of the physician-directed recovery protocol. Glutathione is a principal intracellular antioxidant involved in redox regulation and normal hepatic detoxification
pathways.
OPTIMIZE
Protocols may incorporate a daily oral nutritional and supplement program intended to support nutritional repletion,
normal antioxidant defenses and endogenous elimination pathways between treatments.
OUR DETOX REPLENISHMENT PROGRAM
- Physician-guided care
- Personalized treatment plan
- Nutritional & IV support
- Follow-up tracking
A Different Kind of Medical Experience
EBOO fits naturally into a precision longevity program because the blood, vascular system, mitochondria, immune system and redox environment are interconnected. Treatment goals are individualized to the patient.
Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Access
When clinically appropriate, ultrasound technology may be used to identify suitable veins and support accurate vascular access placement.
Celluma Red Light Therapy
Non-invasive photobiomodulation using selected red and near-infrared wavelengths may be incorporated for relaxation, skin wellness and recovery support.
HydraFacial
Selected patients may combine their visit with skin cleansing, exfoliation and hydration.
Facial & Scalp Massage
Massage can transform treatment time into an opportunity for relaxation and restorative self-care.
Microneedling & Medical Aesthetics
These services may be coordinated with the TPE treatment day when clinically appropriate; timing is coordinated for safety and comfort.
Additional Medical Spa Treatments
Other individualized skin, wellness and aesthetic services may be available according to treatment duration, medical appropriateness and patient preference.
The Vincent Approach
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health: Blood pressure, glucose regulation, lipid and lipoprotein markers, inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk.
- Inflammatory Burden: Selected inflammatory and immune biomarkers may help establish baseline physiology.
- Environmental Exposure: Environmental and toxicant exposure history may be evaluated when clinically appropriate.
- Liver & Kidney Function: These organs play essential roles in metabolism, filtration and elimination.
- Nutritional Status: Protein and micronutrient status may be particularly important when considering repeated plasma exchange.
- Medications & Bleeding Risk: Anticoagulants, antiplatelet medications and other therapies require individualized review.
- Vascular Access: Vein quality, treatment requirements and access considerations are assessed; ultrasound guidance may be used when appropriate.
- Treatment Goals: Protocols should reflect why TPE is being considered.
What to Expect On Your TPE Day
A smooth, structured experience from evaluation through recovery.
STEP 1 - MEDICAL EVALUATION & PREPARATION
Review of medical history, medications, laboratory findings and treatment goals.
STEP 2 - VASCULAR ACCESS
Appropriate intravenous or vascular access is established by qualified clinical staff; ultrasound guidance may be used when clinically appropriate.
STEP 3 - THERAPEUTIC PLASMA EXCHANGE
The Terumo Spectra Optia System separates plasma from cellular blood components. A calculated amount of plasma is removed while blood cells are returned, and the removed plasma is replaced with the medically selected solution.
STEP 4 - RELAX & OPTIMIZE
Relax, work, read or enjoy selected compatible wellness services.
STEP 5 - NUTRITIONAL REPLENISHMENT
Targeted intravenous nutritional support may be incorporated around hydration, electrolytes, antioxidant support and recovery.
STEP 6 - GLUTATHIONE
When medically appropriate, intravenous glutathione may be administered following treatment.
STEP 7 - BETWEEN-TREATMENT SUPPORT
An individualized oral nutritional program may continue between treatments.
STEP 8 - REASSESSMENT
For selected protocols, laboratory testing may be repeated to guide subsequent treatment.
Recovery, Risks, and Comparison
REMOVE. REPLENISH. RECOVER. OPTIMIZE.
How WillI Feel?
Most people tolerate TPE well. Potential short-term conditions may include temporary fatigue, feeling cold, tingling (e.g. around the mouth or fingers), or lightheadedness.
Risks of TPE
As with any medical procedure, TPE carries potential risks, which can include temporary changes in blood pressure, bleeding or bruising on the IV site, or allergic reactions to replacement fluid.
How many treatments do I need?
The number and frequency of TPE treatments are individualized based on your health status, treatment goals, and response. Some patients may benefit from a series of treatments, while others my use TPE periodically as part of a longer-term longevity strategy.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange vs. EBOO
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) removes a portion of plasma and replaces it with a selected replacement fluid (e.g. albumin) while EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) adds oxygen and medical ozone to enhance cellular function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TPE the same as plasmapheresis?
The terms are frequently used interchangeably. Technically, plasmapheresis describes separation of plasma from blood, while TPE removes a prescribed plasma volume and replaces it with another fluid.
Who performs vascular access?
Qualified clinical staff perform access. The team includes a certified nurse trained in ultrasound-guided intravenous access who may assist when clinically appropriate.
Why use intravenous and oral nutritional support?
Plasma exchange is not completely selective. The approach therefore considers hydration, electrolytes, protein intake, micronutrient status and antioxidant support before and after treatment.
Why glutathione?
Glutathione is a major intracellular antioxidant involved in cellular redox regulation and normal hepatic detoxification
pathways.
Can I receive other treatments during my TPE visit?
Depending upon medical appropriateness, compatible wellness or aesthetic services may be coordinated with the visit.
Does TPE 'detox' the blood?
‘Detox’ is broad. A more scientifically accurate description is that TPE physically removes plasma containing circulating molecules and particles.
Does TPE remove microplastics?
Emerging human research suggests it can reduce circulating microplastic particles. Long-term clinical benefit has not yet been established.
Does TPE remove inflammation?
TPE can reduce certain circulating inflammatory mediators, but inflammation is a biological process, not a single substance.
Can TPE reverse aging?
There is currently no high-quality evidence demonstrating that TPE reverses human aging or extends lifespan.