It is believed that Inflammatory Bowel Disease is caused by the release of various substances from leukocytes (white blood cells), resulting in inflammation of the bowel. The trigger which releases these substances, however, is unknown. There are three types of leukocytes: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. All three cell types are involved in inflammation.

LCAP is an abbreviation for leukocytapheresis. In LCAP therapy, the leukocytes which are involved in inflammation are eliminated from the blood by extracorporeal treatment unit. During this therapy, blood is pumped from a vein in the arm or leg through the leukocyte removal filter (Cellsorba EX) and Lekocyte-reduced blood is returned through the opposite vein.

Blood flow rate: 30-50mL/min
Treatment blood volume: 2-4L/session
Anticoagulant: Heparin, ACD-A

LCAP is a novel therapy which controls bowel inflammation by eliminating cells in the blood which are involved in inflammation of the bowel.

Please see below for information regarding conditions for which LCAP is indicated.